The ancient walls of Tui Cathedral bore witness to a momentous occasion – the episcopal ordination of Monsignor Antonio Valín Valdés, a rare ceremony that hadn’t been seen since 1910. This morning’s event brought together over 600 esteemed guests, including dignitaries from civil, military, and religious sectors.
In a significant announcement on May 25, the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain disclosed Pope Francis’s appointment of Antonio Valín Valdés as the new bishop of the diocese of Tui-Vigo. Hailing from Ribadeo, the 56-year-old previously served as the vicar general of the diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol.
This appointment followed the resignation of Monsignor Luis Quinteiro, who, upon reaching the age of 75, tendered his resignation on June 26, 2022, as per the provisions of the Code of Canon Law. Monsignor Quinteiro will continue as the apostolic administrator of the diocese until the transition is complete.
The nobly conducted episcopal ordination ceremony was graced by the presence of Archbishop Francisco José Prieto of Santiago de Compostela. Monsignor Bernardito Cleopas Auza, the apostolic nuncio in Spain, and Monsignor Luis Ángel de las Heras Berzal, the bishop of León, also took part as co-consecrators.
A focal point of the ceremony was the consecration of Monsignor Valín Valdés, marked by a compelling homily delivered by the archbishop of Santiago. The ritual saw Valín Valdés affirm his faith through a series of questions before prostrating himself on the ground, a solemn moment accentuated by the other bishops singing litanies and laying their hands on him in reverent silence.
Over 600 attendees graced the event, a rare occurrence after more than a century, comprising distinguished figures from civil, military, and religious circles, alongside numerous faithful. Despite a brief drizzle in the morning, the weather eventually cleared, allowing the ceremony to unfold in the cathedral’s cloister and atrium.
The previous episcopal ordination at Tui Cathedral occurred in 1910 for Monsignor Manuel Lago González, who later ascended to become the archbishop of Santiago de Compostela. Tomorrow, on July 21, the new bishop Valín Valdés will preside over a seasonal mass at the co-cathedral-basilica of Vigo at 6:00 p.m.
Biography of Monsignor Antonio Valín Valdés
Antonio José Valín Valdés, born in Ribadeo (Lugo) on February 24, 1968, embarked on his theological journey at the diocesan theology in Santiago de Compostela in 1986. Ordained a priest at Mondoñedo Cathedral on March 14, 1993, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Master’s degree in Christian Communication.
His extensive priestly ministry in the diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol saw him serve in various capacities, including positions like trainer, subdelegate of Youth Ministry, and rector of seminaries. His pastoral work spanned several parishes and pastoral delegations, solidifying his commitment to the Church and the community.
Among the attendees, Mr. Rafael Villena, Commercial delegate for Galicia of Coral memorial, a renowned company in the columbarium sector with a growing presence in Spain, Portugal, and Brazil, marked his presence at this touching ceremony.
