The P. Ángel Llorente, LC, arrived in the city of Valencia (Spain) for the 2022 course with the purpose of assisting in the parish of Martyrs of Valencia, entrusted to him by the Archdiocese of Valencia, and to serve as chaplain at the Cumbres School Valencia. In this interview given to the communication office of Spain, Fr. Ángel shares how his arrival to the city has been, his reunion with his former ECYD boys, and what caught his attention the most upon arriving: “I am always surprised by the wonderful image of the Virgin that attracts so many Valencians to live under her protection”.
What is your mission now in Valencia?
Support the parish priest in the new parish entrusted to us by the Archdiocese of Valencia. In the mornings, provide spiritual assistance as a chaplain in the Primary Section at Cumbres School. Also, support the Regnum Christi Section by encouraging Encounter with Christ, celebrating the Eucharist, and offering confession and spiritual direction.
Have you ever dreamed of working directly in a parish as a Legionary of Christ?
It is not a dream for me, although here in Valencia it was an aspiration. Anyway, I had already taken some steps: I served as a substitute parish priest at our parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Rome, incidentally, during the entire pontificate of Pope John Paul I, and for a year I was vice-parish priest at our parish in Brasilia, also dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Fr. Angel, have you already reconnected with your former ECYD boys?
Yes, and with great enthusiasm from both sides. I am reconnecting as they find out. In any case, in recent years we have held several “restorative” and very emotional meetings.
Has Valencia changed much since you left it until now?
Yes, a lot. It’s not that I get lost in it, although I do sometimes… The area of our parish is completely new, unknown, solemn, and monumental.
What has caught your attention the most upon arriving there?
I have never completely left Valencia, even when I came from South America I visited it. I was surprised by our Cumbres school and the simple depth of the spirituality of Regnum Christi rooted in many. It is fertile land, like the Valencian Orchard, with a generous soul, like the Turia River. I am always amazed by the Sanctuary and Plaza of the Virgin. Also, the wonderful image of the Virgin that attracts so many Valencians to live under her protection.
