In a new episcopal appointment for Spain, Pope Leo XIV has assigned to the diocese of Ciudad Real to Mons. Abilio Martínez, who to date exercised as a pastor in the diocese of Osma-Soria. Next September will take possession of its new pastoral responsibility.
Mons. Martínez follows in the footsteps of Mons. Gerardo Melgar, who was Bishop of Osma-Soria between 2008 and 2016 and was then transferred to Ciudad Real, where he has remained so far. Mons. Melgar, 76, presented his resignation for age reasons in September 2023.
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In his farewell letter To the faithful of Osma-Soria, Mons. Martínez expresses that he feels “a true and deep emotion” by leaving the diocese where, he says, he has learned “to be a pastor with you, sharing joys and sufferings, challenges and hopes.”
“You have made me truly feel at home, not because of my merits, but for your ability to welcome and affection. I take many proper names in my heart that I will never be able to forget, because you are part of these eight years of my life,” says the prelate.
In another letter, destined for the new Gray That it will be up to you from next September, when you take possession in the Cathedral of Ciudad Real, the prelate has its heart “Par for you as my new family in faith” and expresses its certainty that “a living church, rich in history, to a community that has managed to stay faithful and committed in the experience of faith is incorporated.”
Mons. Martínez also has grateful words for Mons. Melgar and makes himself available to everyone: “I want to be a father and brother for each one and continue building among all a church that looks with hope to the future.”
Mons. Martínez Varea is a native of La Rioja (Spain) and is 61 years old. Formed in the diocese of Calahorra and the road-logroño, he moved to Rome (Italy), where he obtained the degree in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He was appointed Bishop of Osma-Soria in 2017 and is president of the Episcopal Subcommittee for the Charitable and Social Action of the Spanish Episcopal Conference.
In the Diocese of Ciudad Real, it will have 173 diocesan priests, of which 75 are retired, 80 have positions in the diocese and 10 out of it. Together with these, there are 31 religious priests, 13 major seminarians to shepherd about half a million souls with 165 parishes, According to CEE data.
In Osma-Soria, much smaller in the population (about 90,000 souls), but with more than 500 parishes, Mons. Martinez had 90 presbytersof which 54 are retired, 32 exercise their work in the diocese and 2 out of it. Another works as chaplain and one more as a missionary. In addition, there are 4 major seminarians and 19 religious priests.
Nicolás de Cárdenas
Born in 1980, I am a Spanish and journalist’s husband and father with more than 20 years of experience in print and digital media, specialized in socio -political and religious information. I have worked more than 10 years in defense of human rights and I have accreditations in journalism and comprehensive communication. Since July 2022, I am a correspondent for ACI Press and Ewtn News in Spain, covering international events of the Catholic Church.