Royal English College: Valladolid

Lydia O'Kane spoke to the Rector of the Royal English College in Valladolid , Monsignor Michael Cugia who shares with us some background on a very English enclave in Spain . One which takes us back in time to the days of persecution of Catholics during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England . Let’s listen to Monsignor Cugia’s words :
"...Valladolid at that time was the capital of Spain where Philip II actually lived. We have a very interesting history with Spanish rectors and Jesuit rectors up until the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain ..and the English rectors in the last 200 years...we've very much taken a part in the life of the City here and in the diocese ..and the College is known as ' the English Isle in Castilla Léon'."
Not only does Monsignor Cugia put the College into historical an dgeographical context for us but he also shares with us information regarding some of the saints who found here their spiritual home , llike Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross.An area of Spain then spoilt for saints for a College which has as it turns out has its very own martyrs as well.
"....the College itself has six martyr saints , eighteen other beatified martyrs and other martyrs and confessors , so we've got quite a history ..."
But given the Successor of Peter is about to arrive in Spain for a weekend visit on Saturday 6th November when he lands in Santiago de Campostela, a pilgrimage site that goes back eleven centuries during a year specially dedicated to the Apostle James, let's find out a little bit about the ties this College has with Rome.
"...the College has always been connected directly with Rome ..and so anything to do with Apostles is very much at the heart of our college ethos and particularly Saint James , because here we are in Spain , it's a Holy Year and the Holy Father's coming ..we like to celebrate the Apostles and feel our connection with Rome itself. "
Listen as Veronica Scarisbrick tells the story: