The Church, in general, and the Gipuzkoa diocese, in particular, are experiencing a notable lack of generational replacement. This trend was evident at a priestly ordination mass held at the Diocesan Seminary of Donostia, where the commitment of seven priests was recognized, one for 25 years of service and the other six for 50. The previous year, nineteen clerics were honored, underscoring the constant decrease in the number of priests. The celebration served to analyze the current situation of the diocese.
“"To make Faith known, we must go out and make the Church a field hospital."
The parish priest of the Assumption of Our Lady in Azkoitia, and former vicar general, highlighted that one of the most significant experiences of his career was his work in Proyecto Hombre, where the satisfaction of seeing people recover and helping families was immense. Regarding current challenges, he mentioned the institutional weakening of the Church and the crisis of faith, emphasizing the importance of being witnesses instead of imposing beliefs. He advocated for leaving the temples and being present in an increasingly materialistic and secularized society, conceiving the Church as a "field hospital" that offers a solidary testimony of fraternity and humanism.
“"Listening is the way to approach young people."
The parish priest of San José Obrero in Hernani, with five decades of priesthood, highlighted the profound changes experienced by the Church, including weakness and scarcity of priests. He proposed that decision-making be more participatory and less vertical, fostering a Church that develops "from below" instead of relying solely on hierarchical structures. He suggested recovering a more human reading of the Gospel and the figure of Jesus, focused on humanizing life, society, and interpersonal relationships, with a special commitment to the most vulnerable. He believes that this approach could be a way to bring the Church closer to young people, with dialogue and listening being fundamental to overcoming generational barriers.
“"We must work in the community, helping those in need."
The parish priest of San Fermín (Pasai Antxo) and San Juan Bautista (Pasai Donibane), after 50 years of priestly ordination, noted that the situation has "ostensibly" changed. He explained that, while an atmosphere of Christianity previously predominated, the Church is now more minority and secularization affects religious life. However, he sees this as an opportunity, since "when we feel poor we will make our way in unity, in communion and also in opening up different possibilities." He acknowledged that current communities are smaller and weaker, but composed of people of deep faith. He considers these changes "positive," as the "environmental, sociological, Christian religion... is over," and it is necessary to renew and respond to challenges, highlighting community work and the creation of a fraternal, open, and solidary community with those most in need.
