The president of the Provincial Council of Cordoba, Salvador Fuentes, was responsible for delivering the exaltation of Saint Ferdinand, an event that combined historical depth, spirituality, and sentiment at the Parish of El Sagrario of the Cathedral, organized by the Brotherhood of the Purísima Concepción of Linares.
During his speech, Fuentes traced the figure of Fernando III, the saintly king and conqueror of Cordoba, placing special emphasis on his spiritual dimension and his devotion to the Virgen de Linares.
“"King and saint, sword and prayer, scepter and humility. His life was not a mere succession of campaigns nor his reign a cold chronicle of conquered territories, but a pilgrimage of faith in the midst of history."
The provincial president delved into the monarch's capacity to unite Castile and León, emphasizing that "unity is not imposition, but harmony" and that a kingdom is sustained by law as well as virtue. Fuentes underscored that the saintly king understood power as service and responsibility before God and men.
The conquest of Cordoba in 1236 and the spiritual transformation of the former Caliphal capital were addressed. Fuentes recalled Saint Ferdinand's urbanistic and religious legacy in the city through the "Fernandine" churches, described as "living heritage whose walls still echo nearly eight centuries of baptisms, prayers, processions, and bells."
Finally, Fuentes highlighted the tradition linking the monarch with the Virgen de Linares, stating that "Fernando III entrusted his military and spiritual endeavors to the Virgin, with prayer being as important to him as strategy, and faith as decisive as arms." He concluded by reflecting on the spiritual and moral relevance of Saint Ferdinand, proclaiming an ideal and presenting him as an example of a ruler who understands authority as service.
