Silvia Alberca Rit is a parishioner of the Risen Christ parish, in Torremolinos, where, last Sunday, December 22, at the gates of Christmas, she received the Pro Ecclesia Malacitana Medal, awarded by the Bishop, Mr. Jesús Catalá , for his great generosity and his dedicated dedication to the parish.
At the gates of Christmas, how did you experience the presentation of the Pro Ecclesia Malacitana Medal?
Everyone in the parish knew it, but for me it was a very big surprise. What’s more, I thought it was for another lady in the parish and I stopped when I heard my name. I didn’t even know what to say. One of the great surprises of my life because everything I have done in the church has been from the heart, I have worked hard, the Lord knows it, but from the heart. My parish priest, D. Rafael Navarro, gave me a very emotional hug for me.
Since when have you been part of your parish?
Since the first stone was laid. My husband, may he be blessed, told me “Silvia, when this parish is finished, we offer to serve in it.” He could not see it finished but I joined it and I am still here. I began as parish priest, Mr. Adrián Troncoso, who was the one who inaugurated it, and we remained with all the other parish priests who have passed: Mr. José Pulido, Mr. Juan Zambrana, and now Mr. Rafael Navarro. My parish is a family and I have always gotten along very well with all the priests.
What does your parish mean to you?
Our parish is a family and Father Rafael is charming, he is in all the details and is affectionate and attentive. I am very happy to have been a catechist from 1988 until about 4 or 5 years ago. I am now 88 years old and there are many children that I have met in catechesis and from whom I have learned a lot. I have also helped at the liturgy and have been available for whatever was needed. The parish has always been my second home and I have lived there for many hours. The parish has changed my life for the better. I used to go to Mass from time to time now, the day we don’t have Mass I miss it.
What is your thanksgiving to God?
I thank God for so many good things he gives me and because he looks at me with eyes of mercy. I don’t have words to thank you. I have ailments, without going into details, but I can’t stop thanking God for being where I am.
