The Teresian Association in Malaga, Spain, launched a project called ‘Espacio Sal y Luz’ that has the principal aim of addressing the needs of migrants and marginalised people. It does so by offering a space for welcome and integration based on a culture of encounter. Migrants have found support as they go through the process of regularising their status.
Our beginnings
The Salt and Light project was officially launched in February 2026, following months of exploration and activities that had begun during the anniversary of the TA pontifical approval. It is based in the halls lent to us by a parish in a working-class neighbourhood of Malaga. That afternoon, we put wax and salt into a bowl and, through the magic of light, these elements melted together to form a beautiful candle. It was a symbol that illuminated the path we were beginning to tread: to be salt and light.
This was the start of a project brimming with enthusiasm and commitment, and the certainty that every new beginning brings with it new opportunities and new challenges. We were inspired by the title of the 2024 Annual Letter from TA president, Gregoria Ruiz: ‘With roots in the gift received, new beginnings, new calls’, an invitation to open ourselves to the challenges of our time with confidence and generosity.
From the outset, our objectives were clear:
- To assist in the integration of migrants.
- To pay particular attention to young people and women.
- To provide an open, approachable and welcoming space.
- To be a meeting place for the community.
As time went by, and following what was still a brief but intense journey, this academic year presented us with a new challenge: the process of regularising the status of migrants. We quickly realised the enormous need to welcome, support and guide those embarking on this journey. That became a priority and, at the same time, a major challenge.
We needed to learn about it and work as a network, convinced that only through collaboration could we respond to such a vital need. From the very beginning, we had the support of the diocesan Caritas and the parish Caritas, Málaga Acoge, the platform for solidarity with migrants and refugees, notaries, municipal districts and other organisations that made this support possible.
A Culture of Encounter
With that same enthusiasm, we began preparations for our third gathering on the afternoon of 26 June. Everything was ready, and the group’s immense excitement at coming together was palpable. There were people from different countries, cultures, languages and life experiences, all sharing the same desire: to feel welcomed, listened to and part of the same community. Emotions were evident in every greeting, every word, every hug.
The gathering —the largest and most participatory to date— began with an icebreaker where each participant marked their country of origin on a world map. Afterwards, a second activity invited participants to choose, from a selection of images, the one that best expressed the emotion or defining moment each person was currently experiencing. Both activities fostered an atmosphere of trust and closeness, giving rise to moving testimonies and times of high participation.
The afternoon concluded with some delicious cakes and exquisite Moroccan tea. Amidst conversations, smiles, friendship and life stories, we discovered that, beyond our differences, we are united by the desire to walk together in a spirit of respect, fellowship and love –values that make true hope possible.
Transforming lives
Today, after these months of hard work, we joyfully share the satisfaction of having supported numerous people who have now been able to submit their documentation or successfully complete their regularisation process. Every story is a source of hope and a confirmation that our shared efforts are worthwhile.
Seeing the atmosphere and the turnout at the end of June 2026, we returned home with our spirits lifted and our hearts deeply grateful for everything we have experienced throughout the year and, especially, for this gathering of fellowship which reminded us once again that welcoming others transforms not only the lives of those who receive it, but also those who offer that welcome.
Espacio Sal y Luz
TA Translations Team..
Published in News