The Martyrs of Valencia Parish is the first parish entrusted to the charism of Regnum Christi in Spain, with its pastor being Father Vicente Cortina, LC. The communication office of Regnum Christi in Spain recently interviewed him and explained the unexpected nature of the appointment, the enthusiasm of the entire Regnum Christi of Valencia family for collaborating in this new opportunity to participate in the evangelization of the diocese, and what their pastoral priorities are.
How did you receive the news of your appointment as parish priest?
With deep gratitude to God, as it is a mission that God has entrusted to the Legion of Christ in Valencia, but also with great surprise because we did not expect it, since everything has happened very quickly.
What specific contributions can the charism of Regnum Christi bring to a parish? And, specifically, the work of a Legionary parish priest?
The parish is only eleven years old, it has the fundamental structure: catechesis for communion and confirmation, youth and marriage pastoral care. Honestly, little by little we can contribute, to what is already present, the apostolates we have. One example: the apostolate of the Sacred Heart has already been introduced and has been warmly received by the parishioners.
From your experience working with lay members of Regnum Christi, what role do they play in parish life?
Without them, the functioning of pastoral work in the parish is impossible. They are the apostles of evangelization with those closest to them: the parishioners. There are many parishioners who participate in the sacraments but need to be evangelized; many people do not have the “apostle” mindset, the evangelizer mindset. There are many good people who live the practice of the sacraments but do not see themselves on the front line of evangelization. Committed laypeople are the essential core, but we must reach as many people as possible.
How would you like to make Regnum Christi present in the diocese, as Cardinal Archbishop Cañizares also wished?
We are already present and known. Not only through the Cumbres School, but through all the apostolates of the family, missions, etc., participating in the apostolates. The parish is very young and flexible. We aim to make the most of what we have, but also to gradually introduce, as I mentioned before, the apostolates of Regnum Christi. That is why we are here.
Do you expect support from the members of Regnum Christi for your work in the parish?
The community has committed to this; I am the parish priest, but the community and the members of Regnum Christi must be involved. In fact, some members are already doing so. The news in Regnum Christi Valencia has been received with great joy, and I hope they will contribute to the parish. There are very enthusiastic members eager to work.
Do you have any project or initiative close to your heart that you would like to see completed from the parish sphere?
The first and most practical is to thoroughly understand how the parish functions. As a priest, I want to give a testimony of dedication, as I believe I already do in the adult section. Practically, I would love to develop the family theme; if you focus on this, everything else follows: children, vocations, youth, and the families themselves.
A personal question, how is your prayer life at the moment? Does your pastoral responsibility give you ‘vertigo’?
Honestly, no problems. With much peace. I am not God yet, so I place myself in His hands and humbly learn. Pastoral work does not worry me; the bureaucratic part just requires a little weekly time. I do not feel alone, neither from my community, nor from other members of Regnum Christi, nor less from God.
It has been the Lord who has placed us here. Given how events have unfolded and passing through all the proper authorities, I have no doubt.
