Papal visit inspires Barcelona parish to continue mission of service and hope

Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS and Angella Rwezaula – Vatican City.

Pope Leo recently visited Sant Augustin Parish, where he met with Diocesan Charity and Welfare Organisations.

On the afternoon of 10 June 2026, the fifth day of his Apostolic visit to Spain, Pope Leo XIV visited the Church of Saint Augustine, popularly known as the “Church of the Poor,” located in the El Raval neighbourhood in the heart of Ciutat Vella, the old city of Barcelona.

Prior to this meeting with the Pope, Vatican News interviewed Fr. Faustin John Mlelwa, the parish priest of Sant Augustin. The Augustinian priest, who hails from Mavanga Parish in the Diocese of Njombe, is one of the priests providing pastoral care in Barcelona, primarily ministering to refugees and migrants.

Ordained in 1996, he has been a priest for nearly 30 years.

Reflecting on his priestly journey, Fr. Mlelwa shared that he has served as a priest in Tanzania and spent seven years ministering in Peru before arriving in Barcelona on transfer.

The parish of Sant Augustin in Barcelona when Pope Leo visited

Serving refugees and migrants

In Barcelona, Father Mlelwa recounted how he started as an assistant parish priest before being appointed as the parish priest of Sant Augustin. His ministry in Barcelona is primarily focused on refugees and migrants who come from various parts of the world. The community he serves includes people from South America—such as Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Ecuador—as well as from Africa and Asia, particularly Pakistan and the Philippines.

His parish works closely with other Christian charity groups in the diocese. Notable among these are the Sisters of Charity of St. Teresa of Calcutta, who cook and distribute food to hundreds of people daily—sometimes as many as 400. The priest explained that “every Wednesday, the parish organises food distributions to those in need through a direct assistance system. This service aims to ensure that no one is left without food, regardless of their religion or origin,” he said.

The local Church emphasises providing assistance without discrimination, thereby serving Christians, Muslims, and people of all faiths equally.

Barecelona’s welcome to Pope Leo

Challenges and expectations

Father Mlelwa acknowledged that urban life and pastoral ministry in Barcelona presents its own pastoral challenges, including difficult living conditions for migrants, low security in some neighbourhoods, and issues related to drug use and homelessness. However, he was quick to note that these challenges are not unique to Barcelona but are common in many large urban areas. As a parish priest, he said his mission is to make a difference, guided by the Gospel and obedience to his religious calling.

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According to Father Mlelwa, his congregation—members of the Order of Saint Augustine—do not shy away from serving in areas of humanitarian needs. They are actively involved in schools and parishes, leading social programs and care initiatives. The Augustinians also focus on missions in developing countries, environmental justice, and providing education to marginalised communities.

The visit of the Holy Father to his parish, Fr Mlelwa said, was truly inspiring, as it has galvanised all those involved in diocesan charities and social programs to do even more.