A group of thirty entities and associations from Cañada Rosal registered a letter at the Archdiocese of Seville on Friday to reverse the dismissal of Fernando Flores Pistón as the parish priest of the municipality.
The priest, who arrived in the town in 1964 and has led the parish of Santa Ana for over six decades, was replaced by Archbishop José Ángel Saiz Meneses starting in September. The neighbourhood committee created to support him argues that there are no legitimate reasons for his transition to emeritus priest.
A letter with massive support
The document, delivered on Friday at the Archdiocese's headquarters, is signed by representatives of around thirty local groups. It states that the community does not agree with the manner in which the dismissal has been carried out and highlights the priest's career.
The entities emphasize that Fernando Flores Pistón retains full capabilities to continue exercising his ministry. The letter notes that he carries out his work “with the same lucidity, enthusiasm, and effectiveness” as always, and that an unnecessary replacement “breaks the spiritual stability of the community.”
The mayor of Cañada Rosal, Rodrigo Rodríguez Hans, had already sent a letter to the archbishop requesting that he reconsider the decision. On July 1, an emotional event at the church brought together many locals, and the priest himself, visibly moved, said: “
I love you all too, I can't say anything more.”
Over 60 years of service
Flores Pistón arrived in Cañada Rosal in 1964, when the municipality was still a district of Écija. Since then, he has been a spiritual and social reference, especially among the sick, young people, and the most disadvantaged. His work has been key to the cohesion of the local community.
The signatories of the letter recall that the priest “has dedicated his priestly life to the spiritual, moral, and social well-being of Cañada Rosal.” They assert that his dismissal does not respond to any legitimate cause, as he has not requested retirement nor are there any grounds of incapacity to justify it.
The community mobilization has been constant since the Archdiocese's decision became known. The committee created to support the priest has organized signature collections and support events, and now takes a further step with the official delivery of the letter.
What happens now?
The Archdiocese of Seville will need to study the request and respond to the community representatives. Meanwhile, the Cañada Rosal community awaits the decision to be reversed and for the priest to continue leading the parish of Santa Ana.
For the locals, the figure of Don Fernando goes beyond the religious: he is a pillar of the town's identity. His possible departure, even under emeritus status, represents an emotional and social change that many are not willing to accept without a fight.
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