As a result of its history, Spain is not at all a homogeneous country, and it embraces within its territory various peoples and cultures. The Constitution of 1978 is a highly significant stepping stone in this regard: it has recognised the heterogeneous nature of the country, and it has set up a political system which is clearly closer to a federal than to a central state. This was a response to the long-established cultural and social pluralism of Spain, and it has resulted in the constitutional acceptance of a variety of nacionalidades and regions in its territory.
The topicality of Bishop Masnou's Notes on Nationalism is unquestionable. Nationalism is a very important issue in Catalonia and in the rest of Spain, as it is in much of Europe and elsewhere. In the first chapter, the author (who is the Bishop Emeritus of Vic) highlights terminological problems, and he even wonders whether nationalism should or should not exist. A problem that researchers of this topic must face is the mistaken identification between nationalism and violence. In the second chapter, Masnou seeks to promote better relations between Catalonia and other nations and regions in Spain, whilst pointing out the continuance of an anti-Catalan syndrome in the rest of the country. The third chapter deals with the issue of nationalism in depth, including a clarification of concepts and an explanation of three types of nationalism. Concepts and theories which had already been noted in the first chapter are developed at this point. The definition of terms such as nationalism, nation and state enables Masnou to explore the reality of plurinational States.
Bishop Masnou then turns to a most significant question: ‘What about Spain?’. In this fourth chapter, the title of which can undoubtedly sound confusing, the author aims to describe nationalism at state level, instead of focusing on the reality from a Catalonian perspective. In fact, Bishop Masnou has no qualms in regarding himself as a Catalan nationalist and a Spaniard at the same time. Furthermore, he is openly critical of radical Spanish nationalism, because throughout the years, this movement has tried to deny the existence of the idiosyncratic nature of Catalonia in Spain. The author values the achievements of the Spanish Constitution, mainly its recognition of the importance of the Catalan language, but he is slightly pessimistic about the proper fulfilment of its goals. In the epilogue, Masnou proposes the ways of peace, love and dialogue, and, in the postscript, he addresses his Spanish-speaking brothers living in Catalonia and welcomes them sincerely; from them, he expects an understanding of the culture and a respect for the identity of Catalonia within the state.
Finally, this book has two appendices. The first is devoted to Church documents concerning nationalism. The author has made good choices in selecting these texts, not focusing exclusively on the Holy See's perspective, but also considering pronouncements of the Catalan hierarchy. On the other hand, appendix two contains political documents, some opposed to Catalonia as a national, cultural and linguistic reality, others relatively positive in their recognition of Catalonia as a reality.
I consider this book by Masnou to be a remarkable piece of work. As well as concentrating on a very interesting subject, its topicality is beyond doubt. As some Spanish politicians wonder whether the federal pattern is suitable for their country, these Notes on Nationalism are timely. This is a book written in a fascinating first-person style, and it is also written from the heart. However, some critical points may be made. First, it is obvious that the author does not want to hurt or offend his brothers (he uses this term, in fact) in other regions and nations in Spain, but Bishop Masnou continuously apologises and this can become tedious. Secondly, in some respects this book appears to be over simplistic. The author is undoubtedly aware of the Catalonian situation, but he underestimates the variety of nations within the Spanish territory. He insists on explaining the Catalonian problem as a conflict between Catalonia and Castile. Finally, he seems to overdo the feeling of victimisation when considering the anti-Catalan syndrome. Without denying the existence of misunderstandings in other nations and regions of Spain about the Catalan reality, defining them as a sort of malaise is excessive and counterproductive.
Despite these minor criticisms, Bishop Masnou should be congratulated. The simplicity of his style is to be praised, and his book can be recommended to all those with an interest in nationalism, Catalonia, Spain or Catholic social teaching.
