Santiago de Compostela, known for its rich cultural and religious traditions, recently celebrated several significant events highlighting its vibrant community. On January 5, 2025, the Arzobispo de Santiago, monseñor Francisco Prieto Fernández, officiated the Solemnity of the Epiphany at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. During his homily, he underscored the importance of the Three Kings, emphasizing their role as seekers of truth guided by the star leading them to the newborn Christ. According to monseñor Prieto, the Magi's search symbolizes humanity's longing for divine connection, stating, "For God, greatness is measured by simplicity and purity of heart, and those who have the Lord as their only wealth." This reflection resonates with the essence of the Christmas story and the call for inner fulfillment.
Monseñor Prieto noted how the Magi were surprised by the novelty of Christmas, asserting it is God who seeks man, not the other way around. "This is the essence of the gift of Jesus Christ, the Son born," he quoted. Their visit embodies the hope of salvation for those far from faith, encouraging attendees to maintain their sight fixed on the heavenly calling rather than being bogged down by earthly discouragements. He warned of the dangers of living life with heads down, consumed by regrets and worldly desires, leading to life being extinguished.
Alluding to their humility, he pointed out how the Magi, as pilgrims, asked, "Where is the king of the Jews who has just been born? For we saw his star and have come to worship him." (Mt 2:2). He indicated the need for wisdom, provided by the Holy Spirit, to recognize the divine's grandeur and humility. The Archbishop closed with yet another emphasis on the transformative power of encountering God, which leads one toward greater hope and social commitment based on respect and tolerance.
The communal observation didn't end there. On the same weekend, the Conselleiro de Cultura, Lingua e Xuventude, José López Campos, along with the director general de Cultura, Anxo M. Lorenzo, visited the cemetery of Boisaca. This event on January 5 commemorated the 89th anniversary of the esteemed Galician writer Ramón María del Valle-Inclán. The representatives, surrounded by numerous cultural institutions and families, recognized the enormous contributions Valle-Inclán made to 20th-century literature, alongside honoring Isaac Díaz Pardo, whose legacy remains significant 13 years after his death.
López Campos highlighted the need to celebrate these writers not only for their artistic talents but also for their impact as compassionate humans within Galicia. "It is necessary to exalt also the deep human mark they left among all Galicians," he noted, underscoring the cultural responsibility to preserve their memory. Contributing to this mantle of cultural remembrance, the community reflects on the values these literary figures championed.
The festive spirit of Santiago de Compostela was also evident at the generous and melodic concert held at the church of San Francisco, organized by the NGO Harambee on the same day. Delegada Gloria Solé noted the concert's beauty and success, both aesthetically and financially. Participants included choral groups from Noia, Louro-Muros, and Outes, conducted by maestro Alejandro Guillermo. The concert facilitated significant donations, with proceeds aimed at funding educational scholarships for students in the Congo, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya. Such community-driven actions showcase Santiago’s commitment to global educational causes and highlight the interconnectedness of local and global generosity.
Overall, these events stand as testaments to the cultural vibrancy and social consciousness of Santiago de Compostela. From the religious reflections offered by monseñor Prieto during the Epiphany service to the poignant commemorations of literary giants and the heartwarming charity concert, the city continues to embody the spirit of solidarity, respect, and celebration of life's diverse aspects. Each event serves not only to honor the past but to cultivate hope for future generations, reinforcing the idea of community as pivotal to the city's identity.