Did you know the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes wasn’t always the majestic building we see today? Its story began humbly in May 1982. Eusebio Ocaña was tasked with its creation. A small parish council quickly formed. They secured a space in the Príncipe Felipe Public School. Here they held the first masses on Saturdays and Sundays. Early catechism groups met in private homes. A youth group also formed.
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes faced challenges. After two years they had to leave the school. They found a temporary home at 63 Calle Monforte de Lemos. This small space was lent by Huarte y Cia. Meanwhile they purchased land with the Archbishopric’s help. Fundraising efforts nicknamed “Operation Brick” began.
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes moved to a larger rented space. This became its home for five years. Pastoral activities expanded. New groups for Liturgy Charity and Postcommunion were established. The Archbishopric secured a loan. This funded the construction of the permanent church building. Architects Ángel Sánchez-Vermuy and Jesús Arrellano both parishioners designed the church.
On February 28 1988 a special ceremony took place. After mass at Calle Finisterre Auxiliary Bishop Francisco Pérez Golfín led a procession. They blessed and laid the foundation stone. It wasn’t a stone but a sealed box. Inside were newspapers coins and an official record.
Christmas Eve 1988 brought the first mass in the new Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes. Construction wasn’t complete but people filled the church. Overflow crowds extended into the street despite the cold. The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid consecrated the church on June 3 1989.
Four years later a setback occurred. The Archbishopric announced a demolition order. Part of the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes had to be removed. Building permits had not been correctly followed. A ten-day sit-in ensued. The community’s behavior was exemplary.
The final mass in the original structure was held on January 8 2007. Masses were temporarily held in a meeting hall for two months. On September 22 2007 they moved to a new location on the same street. The Archbishop of Madrid blessed the renovated Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes on October 11. This was a large celebration with city and diocesan representatives. Thirteen years later the parish enjoyed its church. It stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community spirit.