Finally, and after the refusal of the Military Archbishopric to host the celebration in the Armed Forces Cathedral, the funeral for Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero was held in the Church of Santa Bárbara, in Madrid, weeks after his death and burial, which took place on February 26 in Alzira (Valencia).
According to El Mundo, more than 250 people and 21 priests participated in the Eucharist, presided over by his son, the priest Ramón Tejero. The decision to move the celebration to this temple came after the military ordinary rejected the request due to the «risk» that the mass could acquire connotations alien to its strictly religious character.
Large Attendance at the Funeral
Among the attendees were family members, acquaintances, and various public figures, in a ceremony that gathered a significant number of faithful until filling the temple’s capacity.
The event took place as a post-burial exequial celebration, in which those present came to accompany the family and participate in the mass for the eternal rest of the deceased.
Homily Focused on the Figure of the Deceased
The mass was officiated by his son, who during the homily highlighted personal and family traits of Antonio Tejero, emphasizing his sense of duty, his faith, and his commitment to his surroundings.
In his speech, he also referred to values such as faith, the homeland, and the family, presented as central elements in the life of the deceased.
Development of the Celebration
The Eucharist developed according to the usual structure, with moments of recollection and participation by the attendees. In some passages, emotional expressions occurred on the part of those present, such as the singing of the national anthem, in the context of the farewell ceremony.
The funeral concluded with the attendance of numerous faithful who came to accompany the family in this liturgical act held weeks after the burial.