Wasn’t the Parroquia San Romualdo originally somewhere else? Right here on Calle de Ascao stands the current building a testament to its journey. This wasn’t always its home. The Parroquia San Romualdo’s story is a fascinating one. It began not with grand architecture but with a humble start in 1965. The Archbishop of Madrid-Alcalá Casimiro Morcillo González decreed its creation. This carved out a new parish from the territory of the Parroquia de Santo Tomás Apóstol. The first priests Javier Resa Aguirre and José Javier Huarte Oroz known as “los navarros” or “los javieres” started their ministry in 1967. They used a local school for services.
Imagine the early days. Services were held in a small temporary space. It was just 11 by 3 meters! This space called the “Cristalería” lacked benches. It nevertheless held a beautiful altarpiece. First Communions were even celebrated at a nearby school run by Salesian Sisters. After five years the parish moved to a slightly larger space on the same street. That lasted seven years.
The move to Calle Pedro Antonio de Alarcón was a step up. Yet it was temporary. The current impressive structure arrived in 1998. Archbishop Antonio María Rouco Varela blessed and consecrated the new building. José Masa Marijuán was the parish priest then. The Parroquia San Romualdo has a rich history. It’s not just about the buildings. It’s about the people. The priests and parishioners who built this community. They created a vibrant parish despite its humble beginnings.
The parish office is open Monday to Friday. It offers a wide range of services for the 17000 residents. These include catechism classes for children. There are also programs for young people adults and immigrants. The church actively engages in community outreach. It supports those in need through its Cáritas program. This organization helps the elderly and immigrants with various necessities. The Parroquia San Romualdo’s current priest is José Ramón Fernández Aranda. He is supported by Miguel Forcada Barrero the vicar. The church continues to serve its community. It strives to remain a vital part of the neighborhood. Its history is a testament to faith perseverance and community spirit. So let’s take a moment to appreciate this remarkable building. And remember the people who made it all possible.