A monument to the Protestant Reformer Casiodoro de Reina was officially inaugurated by the local authorities in Seville on 29 October.
Reina was the main translator of the Bear Bible (Biblia del Oso), the most influential early translation of the whole Scriptures into Spanish, published in the 16th century.
Protestant historic memory
The bronze statue shows the Reformer holding an open Bible. Inscribed on the granite base is: ‘To Casiodoro de Reina and the translators of the Bible into Spanish. To tolerance and freedom.’ Apart from the monument, around 3,000 copies of a magazine dedicated to Casiodoro de Reina were printed. The evangelical historian Antonio Simoni explained: ‘The last thing that was done to Casiodoro de Reina here [in Seville], was to burn him in effigy.’
Reina was one of the main Reformers, who in the 16th century had to flee his monastery alongside other colleagues, due to the persecution of the Spanish Inquisition. On his journey through Europe, he began the translation into Spanish of the Bible from the original languages. Thanks to his work, millions around the world have accessed the Scriptures in Spanish.
The Bear Bible is considered by scholars one of the most important works of the history of Spanish literature.
Local, provincial and regional political representatives, as well as evangelical leaders participated in an event that was modest but emotive.
