Imagine if you could step back in time to witness the spiritual foundations of a community. That is the story of Parroquia María Auxiliadora. It stands here on Ronda de Atocha. The church’s history intertwines with the story of the Salesians.
In the late 19th century the Salesians arrived. They worked near the city’s old washing places. Their educational and spiritual work with children shaped Atocha. This created a spiritual base in many homes. This presence led to a significant event. On May 29 1966 an agreement was signed. The Archbishop of Madrid-Alcalá and the Salesian Congregation agreed to build the Parroquia María Auxiliadora.
Pastoral work began in what is now the church’s crypt. Construction of the new church started in the 1960s. Enrique Huidobro was the initial architect. His son Javier Huidobro completed it in 1972. On May 23 1973 Monsignor Vicente Enrique y Tarancón inaugurated the temple.
The Salesians have a special devotion. It is to María Auxiliadora. Don Bosco gave it to them. They spread it worldwide. Love for Jesus in the Eucharist is key. These are the two pillars of the Salesian Family. They guide their mission. They also guide their evangelizing and educational efforts.
Egidio Viganò strongly promoted this devotion. He believed its revival would renew the Salesian Family. He encouraged establishing a site. This site would be in the main Marian temple. It would be in each Salesian Province worldwide.
The temple of María Auxiliadora has a rich history. It has been important since the early 20th century. Its central location is important to the Salesian Province and the nation. Because of this the church became a sanctuary. The Salesian Provincial of Madrid D. Cosme Robredo declared it on June 5 1982.
In 1988 the Salesian Centenary marked Don Bosco’s death. It aimed to involve the Salesian Family. They were to give the Virgin’s devotion new momentum. They wanted to make it relevant for youth. It was also for Christian people in difficult times.
A chapel inside honors 42 Salesian martyrs. They were beatified on October 28 2008. They died for their faith. Only some remains are preserved. Others lie in common graves. Some burial locations are unknown.
One wall bears the words “Neither death nor life can separate us from the love of Christ”. The Salesian Provincial of Madrid Luis Manuel Moral called it a celebration. It honored those who suffered martyrdom for their religion.
The church features several images of Mary. The Virgen del Altar is on the main altarpiece. It is a large wooden wall. It features a 2.6-meter-high statue of María Auxiliadora made in 1973. Santiago de Santiago created it from beech wood. He also created the Christ on the Cross. Mary holds the child who plays with her hair. She holds a scepter. She is a modern version. She wears sandals and looks youthful. Adolfo Atienza created a halo of iron shapes and colored glass around her in 1982.
The Virgen de la Calle stands above the entrance. This stone sculpture is fresh and elegant. She looks kindly upon those entering. During the Civil War it was shot at. People tried to tear it down. It remained until the 1950s. Restored in 2005 its details have been enhanced.
The Virgen Chica is a polychrome pine statue. It was made in 1989 by Talleres ANRO. It is inspired by the Trinity of Seville. The artists are known for religious art in Salesian centers. The Virgin has feminine features. When evening light hits her face she appears charming.
The Virgen que se venera is at the foot of the church. Bishop Leopoldo Eijo y Garay blessed it in 1941. The Salesian school in Sarriá-Barcelona created the 2.5-meter image in 1940. Restored in 1977 it has its original colors. The Virgin looks down on the faithful. She wears a crown and holds a scepter. The child has open arms. Architect Javier del Amo Egaña designed the statue and altar.
The sanctuary’s stained glass is striking. The light creates a kaleidoscope effect. The windows filter light into many colors. They represent the windows of God. They invite silence and reflection. The 18 stained-glass windows are by ATIENZA. They were installed in 1972. Above the entrance is Don Bosco’s dream. It shows the Church between the Eucharist and María Auxiliadora. Symbols of Mary surround it. To the altar’s right are the seven sacraments. To the left are the theological and cardinal virtues.
In 1905 an earlier church dedicated to María Auxiliadora opened in Atocha. About 50 years later it was torn down. The current sanctuary was built on the same site. This story is about faith. It is about community. It is about art. Parroquia María Auxiliadora continues to inspire.