The El Refugio Fraternity commemorates St Pedro Poveda

The Royal and Pontifical Fraternity of El Refugiocheld a commemoration Mass at its headquarters, the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes located in Madrid in Spain. It was in memory of Pedro Poveda who belonged to this fraternity from 1930 to 1936.

The Mass was convened jointly with the Teresian Association and took place on 9 May, close to the dates of the priestly ordination and canonization of Pedro Poveda. The intention was to remember his personal commitment to giving concrete help to those most in need.

The parish priest of San Ildefonso y Santos Justo y Pastor, José Luis López García, presided the Mass. Also present were Fernando Ramírez de Haro, Master of the Royal Fraternity of El Refugio, and María Rita Martín Artacho, vice-president of the Teresian Association, along with other members of both organisations.

The Mass

During the ceremony, Poveda's concern for those most in need was highlighted from his experience in Guadix. “here his gaze could not turn away from the caves located in the hills surrounding the city, inhabited by a large impoverished and marginalised population with whom he was intensely committed to helping with their human and Christian advancement”. These words at the start of Mass were expressed by Manuela Aguilera, the person responsible for TA Heritage Outreach.

At the end of the Mass, those present were invited to go down to the altar of St. Pedro Poveda located in an interior crypt in the basement of the Church, to pray and sing to the founder of the Teresian Association. This crypt houses a bronze sculpture of the saint by the Spanish sculptor Pedro Requejo Novoa.

The El Refugio Fraternity

The ‘Holy, Pontifical and Royal Fraternity of Refuge and Mercy’ based in Madrid, popularly known as the ‘El Refugio Fraternity’, is a local charity association. Its origins date back to 1615 and its founding father was Bernardino de Antequera, who is currently in the process of canonisation.

Nowadays, this fraternity maintains and supports several initiatives to combat poverty.

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