The Kings of Spain attend the funeral for the DANA victims in Valencia

The Kings of Spain attended the funeral for the DANA victims presided over by the Archbishop of Valencia, Mons. Enrique Benavent, who called for unity to overcome difficulties and pledged the work and closeness of the Catholic Church.

The Eucharist in memory of those who died in the floods of October 29, held this Monday afternoon in the Valencia Cathedral, was attended by more than 400 relatives of victims, as well as numerous authorities.

Representing the Government, three ministers finally attended, whose presence was confirmed hours after the Executive had only decided on the presence of a second-level position.

In the face of these political controversies, Bishop Benavent reminded those present that this celebration “has a strictly ecclesial character: we want to express that we share the suffering of everyone, that we want to be close to everyone and pray for everyone.”

The prelate also asked that “difficulties do not lead us to fall into lack of solidarity, that differences do not become divisions, that different perspectives when facing problems do not harm those most in need, and that our own interests do not prevail over the common good. Only then can we look to the future with hope.”

In reference to the disaster suffered mainly in numerous towns in the south of Valencia, as well as in other regions, the archbishop recalled that “as a Church we have suffered the consequences of this event: people who regularly participated in the life of our parishes or who simply They shared our faith are victims of this tragedy; “The life of our parishes has been altered, as has the life of our towns and cities.”

In this experience shared with the rest of the citizens, Bishop Benavent stressed that Catholics “since we feel like brothers to everyone, we want to include everyone in our prayer.”

“There are pains that we cannot cure”

Furthermore, the Archbishop of Valencia highlighted that as a Church “we wanted to accompany everyone, to help to the extent of our possibilities. We have wanted to do it and we will continue doing it as long as it is necessary.”

However, he acknowledged that “we often feel that our gestures and words are not enough. There are pains that we cannot cure.”

“In many moments we encounter people who cannot free them from their cross, we can only help them carry it. In these cases, Christians announce that only in Christ can we find consolation and that our mission is to bring people to Christ so that they find in him the peace they need,” he added.

Appealing to the season of Advent that the Catholic Church celebrates, Bishop Benavent called for hope: “In the dramatic events that we have experienced, we have seen many signs of hope, many people who have strengthened weak hands, who have encouraged to the restless and they have told them: ‘be strong, do not fear’.”

That is why he has called for confidence, because in the wave of solidarity that continues even more than a month after the tragedy, “it has brought to light the best that is in the heart of human beings.”

In this sense, he explained that “there have been people who in the most dramatic hours have risked their lives to save those of others” and associations and institutions, including the Catholic Church, made available “their premises and facilities to welcome those affected.” and offer them what they needed in the first moments.”

He also highlighted “the testimony of the thousands and thousands of volunteers, many of them young people who, spontaneously, have offered to help those affected” as well as “the professionalism of the security forces and many public servants who come from all of Spain.”