“A temple worthy of its name” That’s how the community feels about Parroquia Santa Florentina. Here at Calle Longares we stand before a place of faith. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies a community’s spirit.
Parroquia Santa Florentina has a history that intertwines with the story of Madrid itself. The parish was born on April 12 1965. Archbishop Casimiro Morcillo González of Madrid brought it into being. It was separated from Santa María la Blanca in Canillejas.
The boundaries of Parroquia Santa Florentina were defined in 1972. Cardinal Vicente Enrique y Taracón marked them. Over time these borders shifted. The creation of Nuestra Señora de las Rosas led to modifications.
February 13 1977 was a momentous day. Don Luis Maicas blessed the first stone. This marked the beginning of a new parish temple. Just over a year later on April 30 1978 the temple was inaugurated. Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid-Alcalá presided over the ceremony. The new space could seat 250 people.
But the story of Parroquia Santa Florentina didn’t end there. By 1990 the need for a larger church became clear. In 1992 the process began. Applications were made for construction demolition and reproduction.
A temporary solution was found in 1994. The Archbishop granted land on Calle Longares. A prefabricated structure was erected. It served as the parish while the new church was built. This temporary space had 270 square meters. 170 were for the temple and 100 for parish facilities.
Finally on February 15 1998 the new Parroquia Santa Florentina was blessed. Archbishop Antonio María Rouco Varela of Madrid officiated. The new temple and parish facilities were inaugurated. The event was joyous. Yet the temple felt small. So many brothers and sisters came together.
Now Parroquia Santa Florentina stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. It offers regular masses. The schedule varies between winter and summer.
Santa Florentina herself adds a special dimension to this parish. She was born into a Visigothic family in Cartagena Spain. Florentina was one of five siblings. Four of them became saints. Her brothers are Saint Isidore Saint Leandro and Saint Fulgencio. Together they are known as the Four Saints of Cartagena.
Florentina’s brother Leandro guided her studies. She in turn taught her younger brother Isidore of Seville. Florentina chose a religious life. She entered a monastery of San Benito. Some say it was near Écija. Others place it in Talavera de la Reina. Florentina founded over forty monasteries. She followed the rule written for her by Saint Leandro.
Her leadership qualities were evident. She was chosen as abbess. Saint Leandro wrote a book for her. It was about the institution of virgins. Florentina died in 633. Parroquia Santa Florentina keeps her memory alive.
The church stands as a beacon. It shows the community’s unwavering spirit. It’s more than just a building. It is a living testament to faith. It embodies the spirit of its patron saint. It inspires all who enter.