Cardinal Jose Cobo, the Archbishop of Madrid, celebrated Sunday Mass in Robledo de Chavela, one of the municipalities affected by the wildfires that swept through the Sierra Oeste area of Madrid. In his homily, he also remembered the communities struck by fires in Getafe and Avila, which forced thousands of people to evacuate.
Cobo said that in moments like these the Gospel was more necessary than ever as a source of guidance, noting that those still shaken by the disaster needed that light. He acknowledged the force of the fires but said he had also witnessed something greater: the energy of so many good people who placed themselves at the service of others.
He expressed gratitude to firefighters, forestry agents, civil protection workers, volunteers, and neighbors who worked without rest. He described towns and families taking in those who had fled their homes, young people carrying water, and people who chose to help save what belonged to everyone rather than focus on their own property.
The cardinal said God does not remove suffering by magic, but walks through it alongside those who are suffering, remaining close to those who have lost everything and sharing the fear of those who do not know what tomorrow will bring.
He drew a distinction between resignation and Christian hope, saying the latter brings new life out of apparent devastation, a life that had already emerged from the ashes through acts of solidarity, dedication, and fraternity.
Cobo said the affected towns would continue to need material help in the coming months, but insisted that what they would need most was the closeness of communities and Christians who would listen, accompany neighbors, pray, and offer support.
He closed by urging people not to forget what the disaster had revealed. The fires would pass, he said, and the trees and mountains would grow back, but what had been lived together in fraternity and shared faith should never be lost.
