“Confianza, sorpresa y cariño.” These words encapsulate the life of Padre José María de Llanos. Right here we explore the legacy of a truly unique individual. Padre José María de Llanos was more than just a priest. He was a force for change in Madrid.
Born in 1906, José María de Llanos came from a privileged background. He was raised in Madrid’s Salamanca neighborhood. Llanos even studied with José Antonio Primo de Rivera. Rivera was the founder of the Falange. But Llanos’s life took an unexpected turn.
After studying chemistry, he entered the Jesuit novitiate. The Spanish Civil War significantly impacted him. He organized a Jesuit group in Belgium. Later, he learned about the deaths of his brothers in the conflict. After the war, he was ordained in Granada.
Initially, Padre José María de Llanos was involved in the national-Catholic movement. He even directed spiritual exercises for Franco. However, a profound shift occurred in his life. In 1955, he moved to El Pozo del Tío Raimundo. This was a marginalized area of Madrid. He wanted to live among the poor.
Witnessing the poverty in El Pozo led to his transformation. Padre José María de Llanos embraced leftist views. He joined Comisiones Obreras. He also became a member of the Communist Party of Spain. Despite this, he remained dedicated to his faith.
Padre José María de Llanos became known as the “worker priest”. He strived for a Church close to the people. He participated in political actions. These actions aimed to support the neighborhood and democracy. The residents honored him on his 85th birthday. The plaque read: “José María de Llanos came to El Pozo on the way to God, stumbled upon man, and from his hand, he will reach Him.”
Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón admired Padre José María de Llanos. He recognized that Franco’s regime could not build a just Spain. Gallardón’s father was even a student of Padre Llanos. He recalled getting lost in El Pozo as a child.
Padre José María de Llanos was a dreamer. He was a paradox. His name should resonate as a legend. His story shows how a society was built from the ground up. It was built alongside the neighborhood movement.
Francisca Sauquillo described him as fragile but brave. He was creative and a leader. Padre José María de Llanos was an internationalist. He flew flags from all countries at his Vallecas parish. Once, the Civil Guard took the Soviet Union’s flag.
Padre José María de Llanos passed away in 1992. His funeral reflected his life. Priests recited the rosary. Communists sang “The Internationale”. His life shows his dedication to those in need. He gave everything for those who did not know Christ. He gave everything for those who distrusted Christ. This distrust came from those who claimed to have God. They did not approach the poor. Remember Padre José María de Llanos. He left an indelible mark on Madrid.