The advance of the fire affecting the southwest of the Community of Madrid has forced the evacuation of the Minor Seminary College of Rozas de Puerto Real, where 250 young people were participating in a summer camp.
The forest fire that has been ravaging central Spain since last Wednesday, affecting the province of Ávila and the Community of Madrid, has led to the preventive evacuation of the Minor Seminary College of Rozas de Puerto Real, which belongs to the diocese of Getafe. At the time of the evacuation, 250 young people were on the premises enjoying a summer camp, accompanied by the rector, Eliert Jerez, and other priests from the diocese.
The evacuees have been transported to their homes and to other municipalities away from the flames on buses provided by the City Council. “If the fire continues to advance, it will destroy the entire Seminary,” declared the rector, who, despite the concern and uncertainty, urged people to remain hopeful and pray to the apostle Santiago, the patron saint of Spain.
The fire has also forced the evacuation of other localities within the diocesan territory, such as Cadalso de los Vidrios and Cenicientos, which join the evacuations already carried out in previous days. The situation remains critical in the southwest of the region, where the flames are advancing uncontrollably.
The auxiliary bishop of Getafe, José María Avendaño, has visited several reception centres to learn firsthand about the situation of those affected. Accompanied by the vicar of Charity, Aurelio Carrasquilla, and the new director of Cáritas Diocesana de Getafe, Enrique Carrero, he wanted to convey the support of the Church in these uncertain times.
The first stop was the Francisco Valcárcel Judo Pavilion in Villaviciosa de Odón, where 350 evacuated residents from Navas del Rey, Pelayos de la Presa, and Chapinería are currently housed. There, Avendaño greeted those affected and spoke with emergency service members and volunteers, as well as the mayor of Villaviciosa de Odón, Juan Pedro Izquierdo Casquero.
“When I spoke with each one, they said: ‘We feel cared for, welcomed’,” declared the auxiliary bishop, who highlighted the hospitality offered in Villaviciosa, both by the administration and the Church, with priests, Cáritas, and volunteers. Before leaving, he blessed those present, as they requested.
In response to the emergency, Cáritas Diocesana de Getafe has launched the campaign ‘Help for the towns affected by the fire in the southwest of the Community of Madrid’, setting up a bank account (ES12 0049 1894 59 2810193167) and a Bizum (01182) to collect donations.
