“Madrid had approximately 2700000 inhabitants.” This thought raced through Archbishop Casimiro Morcillo’s mind in 1964. We are standing before the Parroquia de San Federico. It stands as a testament to Madrid’s ever-growing spirit. Madrid was a city bursting at the seams. Most churches clustered downtown. Few served the burgeoning outskirts. These outskirts held 50% of Madrid’s population.
The diocese needed a new plan. Archbishop Morcillo envisioned more parishes. He aimed for vibrant evangelizing communities. Each should ideally serve 10000 people. He sought help from religious congregations. The Misioneros del Sagrado Corazón answered. They ran a chapel that became a parish. They agreed to take on another parish. That parish became San Federico in 1965. Soon after, in 1974, the Hermanas Misioneras del Sagrado Corazón arrived. Both congregations followed Julio Chevalier’s vision. He founded their order in France.
But who was San Federico? He was the Bishop of Utrecht. He lived between 825 and 838. Federico enforced morals. He sent missionaries to dispel paganism. Mercenaries murdered him at his altar. Some say Empress Judith ordered it. Federico had criticized her behavior. Others claim the people of Walcheren were responsible. Federico’s missionaries had challenged their immorality. Madrid’s Iglesia del Carmen holds an image of San Federico. He carries a bishop’s staff and a martyr’s palm.
Two figures shaped San Federico’s story. Archbishop Casimiro Morcillo spearheaded a pastoral plan. This plan effectively refounded the Madrid diocese. In just six months 226 parishes arose. San Federico was one. It was carved from San Gabriel parish. Arturo García was the other key figure. He was San Federico’s first parish priest. From 1965 to 1971 he built the church complex. It included a school a residence and a senior center.
The parish’s creation was decreed on July 25 1965. It took effect September 1. The first services occurred in a humble space on Artajona street. Bishop Ángel Morta blessed it on December 19. Archbishop Morcillo laid San Federico’s cornerstone. He consecrated the church November 19 1969. The rest of the complex opened June 6 1971.
Many priests have served at San Federico. Arturo García served until 1971. Carlos Martín followed until 1981. Pepe Álvarez then led until 1991. Isabelino Rubio took over in September 1991. Magí Pibernat arrived in 1993. José Ramón Rodrigo Gárate briefly filled in. Isabelino Rubio returned. José Manuel González Trobo became parish priest in 2004. Gaspar García Laviana served alongside P. Arturo. He dedicated his life to the neighborhood. He fought for freedom in Nicaragua and died for it. P. Carlos Martín was “a friend to all”. He especially cared for children with disabilities.
San Federico is more than bricks and mortar. It is a community. It is full of life and formed by hearts. Its mission is clear. To be God’s heart in this neighborhood. Today the Parroquia de San Federico continues its mission. It offers masses baptisms and pastoral care. It serves as a spiritual beacon. The church’s phone number is 914 593 093. The closest metro station is Valdezarza on line 7. Buses 126 127 and 132 also stop nearby.