The parish priest of Aznalcázar (Seville), Rubén Blasco, publicly denounced during the Easter Sunday mass having suffered acts of harassment, damage to his vehicle, and a smear campaign, in the context of a conflict with the Encarnación brotherhood that has forced the Archbishopric to intervene.
Public denunciations by the parish priest during the Easter mass
The priest exposed to the faithful, at the end of the Eucharist, specific facts that he attributes to members of the brotherhood: the scratching of his car, the breaking of a side mirror, and a public pursuit.
The parish priest also responded to criticisms spread on social media about his actions during Holy Week, clarifying that he acted in his capacity as spiritual director and not as just another brother of the corporation, and that he had not even been given the brotherhood’s medal.
The intervention took place in a climate of growing tension, with interruptions during his speech inside the temple.
Spread of videos and pressure against the priest
The conflict escalated with the spread on social media of videos recorded that same day, in which the priest can be seen being heckled as he leaves the temple.
According to Blasco himself, these images are part of a harassment campaign against his person that “is not recent,” but rather stems from a prolonged conflict over time.
The origin: the suspension of the electoral chapter
The turning point occurred after the suspension of the brotherhood’s general electoral chapter, scheduled for April 17.
The decision was adopted by the Archbishopric after the parish priest presented a report on April 13 pointing out irregularities in the electoral process. Two days later, the ecclesiastical authority decreed the suspension.
This step, taken by the diocesan authority based on the priest’s report, intensified the tension within the brotherhood.
A conflict that goes back a long way
The parish priest himself has pointed out that the current situation is a consequence of previous confrontations with a specific group of faithful.
Among the background is the controversy generated in October after the dismissal of an image dresser, which provoked mobilizations in the municipality.
According to Blasco, both episodes are related and stem from the same source of conflict.
The case is already in the hands of the Archbishopric
According to ABC, the priest has confirmed that the matter is already in the hands of the Archbishopric, which is studying the situation.
No official resolution has been issued from the diocese at this time, while the brotherhood has chosen not to make public statements.