On February 9-10, 2026, the first large assembly of diocesan and religious priests, called a “Convivium,” was held in Madrid, Spain. His Eminence Cardinal José COBO CANO, Archbishop of Madrid, Spain, called together a total of 1,200 priests with the aim of praying, meeting one another, listening to the voice of the Church, and sharing together in the grace of the priesthood.
One of the speakers was our own confrere, Cardinal François-Xavier BUSTILLO YBARRA, originally from Navarre (northern Spain). His address was widely appreciated both for its content and its style. “Powerful and kerygmatic,” many commented at the end. Cardinal BUSTILLO urged those present not to reduce themselves to mere administrators, but to live their ministry with creativity and imagination, as true visionaries: “We cannot do things only out of a sense of responsibility, forgetting the joy, passion, and anointing that are the true driving force of the mission.”
In his talk, he referred to the scriptural passage about David and Goliath: “David refuses Saul’s armor because it prevents him from moving. He does not follow tactical or strategic convention, but relies on prophetic simplicity and the power of God.” Cardinal BUSTILLO also warned against three major dangers in the priestly vocation: “Amnesia, lukewarmness, and anemia.” Finally, he encouraged everyone to confidently embrace the newness of the Spirit: “It is not a matter of erasing the past or tradition, but of enriching the life of the Church by listening to the Spirit.”
Several friars of the Province of Our Lady of Montserrat, residing in Madrid, took part in the Convivium. Among them were the Minister Provincial, Friar Juan Antonio ADÁNEZ SILVÁN, members of the Provincial Definitory, and friars from the formation house. It was undoubtedly a valuable time of communion and renewed apostolic zeal.
Friar Jesús Abel GARCÍA-CEZÓN ROLDÁN
