Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz

Gazing upon the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, one might feel a sense of tranquility wash over them. But the journey of this church, much like the city of Madrid itself, has been anything but peaceful. Our story begins in the bustling heart of 19th-century Madrid. The city was growing, expanding beyond its ancient walls. The need for spiritual guidance and places of worship was evident. The Hermanos de San Juan de Dios, a religious order known for their dedication to healthcare and social work, recognized this need. They had a history in Madrid, having established the Hospital de Nuestra Señora del Amor de Dios in the 16th century. Their newest endeavor took root in Pinto in 1892, a small town outside of Madrid. There, they founded the San Rafael Hospital, a sanctuary for children suffering from rickets and scrofula. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, though not yet realized in its current form, was intrinsically linked to this mission of healing and compassion. The San Rafael Hospital soon outgrew its Pinto location. In 1900, it moved to Paseo de las Acacias in Madrid. The hospital quickly expanded its services, offering free outpatient consultations to over 1,500 children thanks to the generosity of Madrid’s citizens. Another move came in 1912, this time to Altos del Hipódromo on the road to Chamartín. Here, the hospital grew to accommodate 120 beds, specializing in the care of children with various ailments. By 1923, the hospital transformed into an orthopedic sanatorium. It added a laboratory, radiology department, orthopedic workshop, and even a school for the hospitalized children. This expansion continued in 1934, increasing capacity to 250 beds. The journey of San Rafael Hospital, and by extension, the seeds of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, faced a turbulent period during the Spanish Civil War. In 1936, the hospital was seized. It became first a women’s prison and later a military hospital. It wasn’t until 1939 that it returned to its original purpose as a children’s hospital, continuing its mission of care amidst national upheaval. This resilience, this dedication to serving the vulnerable, would ultimately pave the way for the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz. The modern era of the San Rafael Hospital, and its connection to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, began in 1969. The current hospital building on Calle Serrano was inaugurated. The hospital steadily expanded its services throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It added intensive care units, both pediatric and adult, a new surgical block, and specialized departments. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, standing near the hospital, serves as a spiritual companion to the hospital’s mission. It offers solace and hope to those seeking healing and comfort, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Hermanos de San Juan de Dios.