Madrid offers many beautiful churches. But have you ever heard the story of a parish dedicated to a woman who loved Jesus and the poor? I am here in front of Parroquia Beata María Ana Mogas to tell you more.
Parroquia Beata María Ana Mogas is more than just a church. It is a testament to faith and service. It stands as a beacon of hope in the Valverde district. This church embodies the spirit of María Ana Mogas Fontcuberta.
María Ana Mogas was born in Granollers Barcelona on January 13 1827. She founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Mother of the Divine Shepherd. Her congregation focused on education. María Ana Mogas died in Fuencarral on July 3 1886.
Parroquia Beata María Ana Mogas was established on February 28 1997. It was formed from a part of the San Miguel de Fuencarral parish. The new parish serves the Tres Olivos and Nuevo Toboso neighborhoods. Interestingly almost all streets here get their names from El Quijote except Afueras a Valverde.
Initially the pastoral care was entrusted to the Salvatorian Fathers. They served until 2004. Father Julio Prado then took over but had to leave due to health issues. In October 2005 Father Jorge González Guadalix became the pastor. He served until October 2017. Since September 2019 Father Andrzej Orlowski has been the current pastor.
In 2008 Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid Antonio María Rouco Varela laid the first stone for the new parish center. Construction finished on September 21 2009. The center was dedicated on December 5 2009.
If you look around you will notice the boundaries of the Parroquia Beata María Ana Mogas. To the east is Calle de Nuestra Señora de Valverde. It stretches from the Fuencarral-El Pardo road to the Colmenar-Alcobendas highway. The northern boundary runs from the end of Calle Nuestra Señora de Valverde. It goes to the Colmenar highway. The western edge follows the Colmenar highway. It extends from the Fuencarral-El Pardo road to the Colmenar-Alcobendas highway exit. The southern border is the El Pardo-Fuencarral road. It connects to Calle de Nuestra Señora de Valverde.
The Parroquia Beata María Ana Mogas also offers a final resting place. It provides a space for the ashes of loved ones.
So as we conclude our visit remember María Ana Mogas. Remember her dedication to Jesus the poor and education. This church stands as a symbol of her legacy. It is a place of worship community and remembrance in the heart of Madrid.