Between the Cantabrian mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, in the northwest corner of Spain, lies the beautiful province of Asturias. Over a million people inhabit this land that is commonly called "The Little Switzerland", because of its majestic mountains and green fertile valleys.
To be Asturian is to be Catholic, although less than one quarter of baptized Catholics attend mass regularly. An increasing number want nothing to do with God, the Bible, and church, and over the last half-century Asturian society has instead become greatly secularized and materialistic. In fact, Asturias has the highest index of professing atheists and agnostics in all of Spain. Much of this is a result of generations of disappointment with the organized church.
Asturians are proud of their rich culture and fascinating history. They trace their roots to Celtic tribes who once lived there. They have always been a fiercely independent people. The Romans and Visigoths barely managed to conquer them. Later the Moors could not, and the Christian Reconquest of Spain began there in the 8th century.
Evangelical missionaries first came to Asturias a century ago, with little lasting fruit. For every thousand Asturians, only one is a born again believer. Asturians possess a profound religious heritage, but the vast majority lacks what counts most: a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ!
Scripture Prayers for the Asturian in Portugal.
| Profile Source: Etnopedia Copyrighted © Used with permission |
