Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Las Rosas

What blossoms in the concrete jungle? At first glance, Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Rosas might seem like an unassuming structure. It’s nestled amidst the residential sprawl of San Blas, near the Las Rosas metro station. But this parish, housed in a small, repurposed barrack, is a vibrant oasis, a testament to community spirit and ecological commitment. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Rosas has been serving the community for over two decades, witnessing the neighborhood’s growth and transformation. The current structure is temporary. A new church is planned for the adjacent land, recently marked off for construction. But the temporary home has not stopped the parish from blooming. Behind the barrack, on what was once barren land, lies a flourishing ecological garden. Established six years ago by the parish’s eco-social group, the garden predates Pope Francis’s public call for ecological conversion. It began with shovels and determination, transforming the difficult terrain into a vibrant space. Nine rows of crops and a transversal row of strawberries now thrive. The perimeter boasts lemon trees, oregano, thyme, and lavender. These aromatic plants aren’t just for beauty. They attract pollinating insects, vital for the garden’s health and bounty. You can see the results in the pumpkins, with their male and female flowers, already emerging. This garden isn’t just organic, it’s a model of sustainable practices. A worm farm produces compost. Coffee grounds are used to create a natural ant and slug repellent. Basil keeps insects away from vulnerable plants. Only in extreme cases, like aphid infestations, do they use naturally disintegrating potassium soap. Crop rotation and fallow periods ensure soil regeneration. Onions thrive here, but the garden boasts a diverse array of produce. Peas, garlic, various tomatoes, beans, peppers, eggplant, leeks, and carrots all find a home here. Agustín, Juber, Adela, and Isabel tend the garden every afternoon, ensuring its continued growth. Isabel, with her rural Galician background, emphasizes the constant care required, reminding us that “gardens are living beings that need daily attention.” Even the heavy snowfall brought by Storm Filomena couldn’t destroy the garden’s spirit. Only the lemon tree suffered, and it’s now recovering, standing tall and fragrant. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Rosas opens its garden to the neighborhood. It’s a place for community building, fostering connections through shared interests, not just religious ones. The garden is a way of being in the world, empowering people. This ethos is at the heart of Father Corominas’s pastoral approach. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Rosas isn’t just green in its garden. It extends its ecological commitment throughout its activities. They partner with El Olivar, a cooperative that provides housing and job training for at-risk youth, to collect used cooking oil for recycling. The overflowing collection container speaks to the community’s enthusiastic participation. Even the catechism classes at Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Rosas embrace sustainability. Designed for family involvement, the program begins with the parents, often marking their return to the Church. The first year focuses on them, with monthly meetings. They take home “homework” to share with their children, becoming their catechists. The second and third years bring the children to the parish, while parents continue in small groups. Biblical themes, like the Good Samaritan and the Beatitudes, form the core of the teachings. Parents prepare the closing prayers, reinforcing the message of faith within the family. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Rosas, in its humble barrack, is a beacon of community and ecological consciousness. It’s a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city, life can bloom in unexpected places.