His Grace Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal inaugurated last Friday a new socio-educational centre for the Romanian community in Torrent, a town located 7 kilometres from Valencia.
He was joined in the service by Father Vasile Pop, diocesan advisor for education and youth activities, and by Archdeacon Spiridon Burlacu, diocesan advisor for economic affairs.
Representatives of the Spanish and Romanian authorities also attended the event, including Venancio Enrique Aviñó Campos, Police Inspector of Torrent, and Cosmina Beatrice Dumitrache, Vice-Consul of Romania in Valencia.
The bishop stressed the importance of the new space for the life of the Romanian community in Torrent and congratulated the parish for its sustained efforts to create a place of formation and support for the faithful.
Bishop Timotei awarded distinctions to those involved in the project: the Order of “The Cross of Saint James the Greater” to parish priest Vasile Pop, the “Diploma of Saint James the Greater” to Ciprian Donia, the project coordinator, and certificates of appreciation to all those who contributed to setting up the centre.
Background
The new parish centre, located at Calle Virgen de la Paz no. 25 in Torrent, is dedicated to Saint Liviu Galaction, the Hieromartyr of Cluj. The community purchased the building from the same owner who sold the current church premises in 2021.
After extensive renovation and fitting-out works, the centre has been fully operational since October and now hosts socio-educational activities for children, young people and families.
Photo: Diocese of Spain and Portugal
