Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Spain between June 6th and 12th, touring various locations including Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canarias, and Tenerife. However, for the Augustinian community at Los Olivos School in Málaga, this event holds special significance due to their prior connection with the Pontiff.
A year ago, following his election, it was revealed that Robert Prevost, now Leo XIV, had visited the Málaga educational center in April 2007. At that time, as the prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine, he undertook a visit to various Augustinian communities in Spain. "The Pope came in 2007 as the prior general of the Augustinians, visiting all the Augustinian communities in Spain. He came to Málaga that year, was visiting, meeting the community, visiting the school, visiting our church of San Agustín, and showing interest in all the work we do here in our city," recalls Father Agustín Herrero, the school's director.
The election of Leo XIV has been a historic event for the Order of Saint Augustine. "It was a cause for pride and satisfaction that a member of our institution is the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church," states Father Agustín, describing the news as a "tremendous moment of joy" for Augustinians worldwide, and particularly in Spain.
Father Agustín describes the Pope as a "very simple, approachable person who cares deeply for others," also highlighting his "great qualities as a manager, as a leader." He notes that these characteristics have been evident in his pontificate, describing him as "calm, composed, serene, simple, approachable, and above all, someone who confronts problems directly and is capable of facing any issue or circumstance, even the injustices of the world, stating them clearly and pointing out the Church's mission."
A total of 21 individuals from Los Olivos School, including members of the Augustinian community, teachers, students, alumni, and catechists, will travel to Madrid to participate in the events. "We are very excited, very happy, and eager to participate in this event," the director affirms.
Preparations include a prayer service at the school to entrust the experience. The agenda in Madrid includes participation in the prayer vigil with youth at Plaza de Lima and the Eucharist at Plaza de Cibeles. Additionally, on Friday, there will be a welcome prayer at the Monastery of the Comendadoras de Santiago, and on Saturday, a sending-off celebration.
“"The Augustinian religious, the members of the Order of Saint Augustine, will be received by the Pope in a private audience at the Nunciature on Sunday afternoon. He will have a personal meeting with us, as we are the Pope's family."
During this private audience, the Málaga delegation will present the Pontiff with a reproduction of the Virgen de Gracia, the school's patroness, whose invocation is one of the oldest in the Order of Saint Augustine. "It is a very simple image. It is not a baroque image, but a simple image that reflects humility, closeness, values that the Pope holds in high regard," explains Father Agustín.
The school's director believes the Pope's visit could be a "revitalizing force" for the Church in Spain, serving evangelization, faith, and aid to people. He highlights that the Pope's agenda, with meetings involving youth, cultural figures, and vulnerable groups, as well as his stop in Canarias to address the migratory reality, reflects a Church open to dialogue and committed to the most disadvantaged.
