Diocese and Opus Dei reach agreement after long dispute over Marian shrine

Infovaticana Exclusive: Agreement in principle between Opus Dei and the Diocese of Barbastro over Torreciudad

According to InfoVaticana, the Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón and Opus Dei have reached an agreement in principle that puts an end, at least for now, to the long-standing dispute over the ownership and management of the Marian shrine in Torreciudad.

Appointment of the Rector: A formula for balance

One of the most sensitive points of the conflict—the appointment of the shrine's rector—appears to have found a middle ground. According to the terms of the agreement, the Bishop of Barbastro will retain the power to appoint the rector, but must do so by choosing one of the names presented from a shortlist proposed by the Prelature of Opus Dei.

This mechanism, inspired by mixed formulas already existing in other ecclesial contexts, seeks to respect episcopal authority without neglecting the historical and operational role of Opus Dei in the shrine founded by Saint Josemaría Escrivá.

Symbolic gesture: Our Lady returns to the Hermitage

Another relevant point of the agreement in principle includes a liturgical and symbolic dimension: twice a year, the image of Our Lady of Torreciudad will be carried in procession to the old hermitage, located a few hundred meters from the current shrine.

This gesture seeks to reconnect with the original popular devotion of the place, which predates the monumental construction promoted by Opus Dei, and could also be interpreted as a gesture of integration with the diocesan environment.

Financial compromise

In parallel with the pastoral and legal aspects, an understanding has also been reached on financial matters: Opus Dei will substantially increase the amount it allocates to the support of the diocese, a measure that could help calm tensions that have accumulated in recent years and partially offset the pastoral and financial burden of managing the shrine.

End of the battle?

This preliminary agreement does not necessarily close all open fronts—precise legal aspects and implementation deadlines remain to be defined—but it represents a significant turning point in a dispute that had escalated to the point of threatening canonical and legal consequences.

In recent weeks, discreet contacts between representatives of the Diocese and the Prelature had intensified, under the watchful eye of Rome, which wished to avoid a public confrontation between an episcopal see and an institution established as a personal prelature.

We will continue to report as details are officially confirmed or a joint statement is released.

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