Remarkable turn of events at Opus Dei shrine

The Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón proposes establishing Torreciudad as an international shrine

In an unexpected turn of events, the Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón has made public a formal proposal to the Holy See regarding the Torreciudad complex, currently considered a semi-public oratory.

The document, which expresses the will to act "in fidelity to the mandate of Pope Francis and now Pope Leo XIV," proposes its recognition as an International Shrine, under the direct authority of the Holy See.

This brings to an end a conflict that has been festering for several years.

Proposal to erect an international shrine

The diocese requests that Torreciudad be canonically recognized as an international shrine with the following characteristics:

Direct dependence on the Holy See, constituting an extraterritorial area.

Free appointment of the rector of the shrine by Opus Dei, in accordance with the law.

Financial independence from the diocese, with auditing and approval of accounts by the Holy See. The diocese expressly renounces any economic benefit, patrimonial responsibility, or connection with the societies or foundations operating around the complex.

Request for restitution of sacred elements

The diocese also requests the return of two significant elements:

The original image of Our Lady of the Angels of Torreciudad, currently removed from its historic location. It is proposed that it be returned to the original shrine-hermitage, where it has been venerated for over a thousand years. A faithful copy would be placed in the new shrine. The original baptismal font from Barbastro Cathedral, moved to Rome, where numerous martyrs and Saint Josemaría Escrivá himself were baptized. Its return to the cathedral's Chapel of the Pantocrator is being requested, so that it may continue to be used by the faithful of the diocese.

These returns are presented as "an act of justice toward the faithful and of communion between the Prelature of Opus Dei and the local Church," as well as a way to enrich the Route of Saint Josemaría in Barbastro, which includes the church, the birthplace, the cathedral, and Torreciudad.

An offer in the key of Communion

The diocese emphasizes that this initiative does not seek to divide or demand, but rather "to lovingly propose what it has received as a gift." In a clearly conciliatory tone, it emphasizes that "only through communion and selfless dedication can the spiritual legacy of so many martyrs and saints like Saint Josemaría continue to bear fruit."

The proposal is currently under the discernment of Pope Leo XIV.

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