– Eloísa Pérez / ACFI / Europa Press / Pool – Europa
LA LAGUNA (TENERIFE), 12 (EUROPA PRESS)
The priest Darwin Rivas, who serves four communities on the island of El Hierro, has raised the voice of the island in Tenerife following a migration crisis that has seen nearly 30,000 people arrive since 2020, testing the capacity of a territory with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.
“We will continue to give everything without expecting anything in return,” he stated during a meeting with Pope Leon XIV in La Laguna, alongside migrants and reception organisations. Rivas, originally from Venezuela, has been part of the Nivariense Diocese for seven years.
Experience of Integration
He shared his personal experience of embodying the four verbs summarised by Pope Francis in relation to migration: “to welcome, to protect, to promote, and to integrate,” all of which he endeavours to apply to the underprivileged.
Rivas recalled that in 2021, “during the height of the migration challenge,” priests were grappling with how to assist those arriving from Africa. With support from the Diocese, the NGO Corazón Naranja, and the National Police, they have contributed their “little grain of sand” towards providing dignified reception.
A Beautiful Adventure
The priest described his undertaking as a “beautiful adventure,” alongside the “wonderful family of men and women” from Corazón Naranja, who offer services to migrants accommodated in the CATE of San Andrés.
“It has been a challenging yet enriching experience,” he asserted, highlighting “the commitment and generosity” of these individuals, leading him to proclaim that “it is worth continuing to help” and “to continue joining hearts and wills.”
“We are certainly not heroes, nor do we seek to be; we simply believe we are instruments for good,” he noted, while acknowledging the “very difficult moments” faced due to the influx of migrants into such a small island.
Finding Hope in Suffering
He even recounted instances when he considered remaining in the “comfort” of his home but “renewed his service” by contemplating what the Lord would do.
“Amid the pain and suffering, there was always some reason for hope, a smile, a grateful face that justified our dedication. Thank you, Holy Father, for being here with us and inspiring us to continue,” he concluded.
