Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo

Journey with me back to September 8, 1983. The Congregation of St. Joseph (Josephites of Murialdo) began their apostolic journey in Madrid. These Josephite priests first connected with the community by working in the parishes of San Romualdo and Santo Tomás. This marked the humble beginnings of what would eventually become the Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo. After years of collaboration, they took on the responsibility of Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo. It was located in the San Blas neighborhood of Madrid. This area was known as a working-class district, with pockets of marginalization. Both the religious community and lay collaborators committed themselves to Christian and human development. Locals tell stories of the parish’s earliest days. Activities began in the current Antonio Machado Cultural Center on Avenida Guadalajara. Later, they moved to an underground space on the same avenue. This space proved too small for the growing parish. Meetings often took place in collaborators’ homes and activities spilled into nearby schools. As Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo expanded, they contacted the Archdiocese of Madrid. The Archdiocese oversaw the construction of a new church on Calle Argenta number 8. This is the current location of Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo. On April 18, 1999, Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid Antonio María Rouco Varela inaugurated and consecrated the new church. The Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo thrives with committed lay members. They center their activities on faith and human development. Beneath the present church lies a space designed for various activities. Basement level 2 houses a large hall for major parish events and changing rooms for the Murialdo sports group. Basement level 1 hosts tutoring programs, family support services, and youth group meetings. The remaining floors hold parish offices and catechism classrooms. The Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo remains a testament to the dedication of the Josephite priests and the vibrant community they serve.