Ready to step into a story of faith and community? We are standing before the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia. This church is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of a neighborhood.
Let’s dive into the history of the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia. The church’s story began in 1966. The Obispado de Madrid granted a parish to the Valdezarza neighborhood. Initially named San Cornelio it was created on July 25 1965. This happened during the time of Monseñor Casimiro Morcillo.
José Banús a constructor played a crucial role. He gave the obispado eight connected spaces. These spaces faced the back of block number 8 on San Restituto Street. Four of these were joined to form the church. The remaining four were set aside for future needs.
D. Juan Moreno a diocesan priest was appointed as the new pastor. He worked alongside the community to set up the parish for the first time.
Here’s an interesting twist. Bishop D. Casimiro Morcillo had a driver named D. Pedro Gil. Pedro was from Garrovillas. It is a town in the Province of Cáceres. The Virgin Mary was honored there under the title of Altagracia. D. Pedro asked the Bishop to name the new parish Altagracia instead of San Cornelio. D. Casimiro agreed. The official decree changing the name to Nuestra Señora de Altagracia was made on November 11 1965.
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia was inaugurated in May 1966. The location was on Valle de Belagua Street number 9. The inauguration was a grand celebration. Many priests were invited along with neighbors and people from Garrovillas. The Bishop consecrated the new parish to Nuestra Señora de Altagracia.
During D. Juan’s time as pastor the feast of Ntra. Sra. de Altagracia was celebrated on September 8. People from Garrovillas living in Madrid attended. Angelita Breña donated a painting of Nuestra Señora de Altagracia to the church. This painting is still there today.
A procession with the image of the Virgin took place on that day. It went through the streets of the neighborhood. The Eucharist was celebrated in the Armenteros square.
D. Juan remained at the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia until the summer of 1975. D. Rafael Gómez replaced him. He stayed until 1978. During that time a group of young Trinitarians began to integrate into the community.
The Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Pilar opened in the neighborhood. It was run by the Hermanas de la Caridad. They started working with the Trinitarians at the parish. They assisted with catechesis Bible groups the choir and sewing classes. Sisters from San José de Cluny also participated in women’s meetings.
Later Maximino Barrero a diocesan priest served as pastor for 13 years. He collaborated with a group of Jesuits. They lived in the neighborhood and dedicated much of their time to the parish.
A community of Paules was appointed by the bishop to take charge of the parish. Father Antonio was the first pastor. José Eugenio then became pastor with Manuel Canal. Manuel had been a missionary in Africa. Felipe served as pastor for two years.
Manuel Canal was later appointed as pastor followed by Eladio. On May 16 2010 Cardinal Rouco laid the first stone of the new church. It was a momentous celebration.
Manuel Freire was appointed pastor. He worked with Cáritas. He included the parish in the Banco de Alimentos. This provided monthly food for needy families in the neighborhood. The ALPFA groups were created. The new Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia was inaugurated on May 4 2013 at Azuaga Street number 15. This is where we stand today.
In September 2016 the Missionaries of the Divine Word arrived. Mjeeva became the pastor Chava the vicar and Mateo. Mateo had not yet been ordained. They continued all previous activities and added new ones. These included a Christmas party Christmas carols and a Christmas dinner. A missionary group was formed with people from the ALPHA courses.
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia celebrated its 50th anniversary. An exhibition of photos was displayed at the entrance. It showcased the events of those years.
In 2020 Mario became the pastor Pablo the vicar and Vicente. Cardinal Don Carlos Osoro consecrated Mario as pastor.
Today the Missionaries of the Divine Word and the community continue all activities. They keep the spirit of the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia alive.
As we conclude our visit let’s remember the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Altagracia. It is a house. It is a community. It is a testament to faith hope and the enduring power of togetherness.