Gazing up at the facade, can you imagine the dreams and sacrifices that shaped this sacred space? Welcome to the Santuario de María Auxiliadora. It is a beacon of faith and history here in Madrid. This sanctuary stands as a testament to devotion, architectural vision and the enduring legacy of the Salesian community.
The story of Santuario de María Auxiliadora begins in the late 19th century. The Salesians arrived here. They dedicated themselves to educating and evangelizing young people. Their work became a spiritual cornerstone for many families in Atocha. This led to the creation of the Parroquia de María Auxiliadora. The contract was signed in 1966 between the Archbishop of Madrid-Alcalá and the Salesian Congregation.
Construction of the new church began in the 1960s. Enrique Huidobro was the architect. His son Javier Huidobro finished the work in 1972. Monseñor Vicente Enrique y Tarancón inaugurated the temple on May 23 1973.
For the Salesians, devotion to María Auxiliadora is a spiritual legacy. Don Bosco wanted them to spread it worldwide. This devotion and love for Jesus in the Eucharist are the pillars of the Salesian Family. They guide their evangelizing and educational mission. Don Egidio Viganó greatly promoted this devotion. He believed it would renew the entire Salesian Family. He advocated for a seat in every major Marian temple around the world.
Given the history of the temple, its influence since the early 20th century, and its central location, the temple was declared a Sanctuary of María Auxiliadora. D Cosme Robredo, the Salesian Provincial of Madrid, made the declaration on June 5 1982.
In 1981, Queen Sofía visited the school. She honored the Salesian Congregation on its centenary in Spain. This further cemented the church of María Auxiliadora as a Sanctuary. The temple occupies half the facade on Ronda de Atocha. Its brick construction harmonizes with the adjacent Salesian center.
Inside, light streams through stained glass windows. They are framed by arches. Four towers rise above the Sanctuary. Two are on the main facade. Two are at the rear. The interior features a high ceiling adorned with wrought iron lamps. Cream tones dominate the walls and ceiling. Dark marble covers the side columns and head. Wood adorns the altarpiece. The quadrangular apse is lined with wood. A carved wooden altarpiece displays the image of María Auxiliadora. It is set upon wrought iron. Santiago de Santiago created the image of the Virgin. He also created the crucified Christ opposite the altar. A statue of San Juan Bosco is on the right side of the head.
The large colorful stained glass windows are by the artist Atienza. They depict the seven Sacraments on the right side. They depict the theological virtues on the left. Atienza also created the Stations of the Cross. They are large and located high on the side walls. At the back of the temple are two more altars. One is dedicated to María Auxiliadora. The other is to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Above them is a large stained glass window. Atienza created it. It is inspired by Don Bosco’s dream of the two columns.
From the Santuario de María Auxiliadora, you can access the Chapel of the Martyrs. Here lie Salesian religious who were killed during the Spanish Civil War. It is a simple space with warm tones. It features a retablo with the image of Christ Crucified. María Auxiliadora is also present on a pedestal.
Notice the statues of María Auxiliadora. The Virgen del Altar stands atop the main altarpiece. The 2.6-meter-high statue from 1973 is made of beech wood. Santiago de Santiago sculpted it. Adolfo Atienza created the iron halo around it in 1982. The Virgen de la Calle stands above the entrance. This stone sculpture overlooks those entering the temple. Despite being damaged during the Civil War, it remained in place. The Virgen Chica is a wooden statue. It is inspired by the Trinity of Seville. The Virgen que se venera stands to the left of the church. It was blessed in 1941.
The stained glass windows create a kaleidoscope effect. They illuminate the sacred space with colored light. They invite silence and reflection. The windows depict Don Bosco’s dream of the two columns. One column is the Eucharist. The other is María Auxiliadora.
As we conclude our visit to the Santuario de María Auxiliadora, remember its history. It started with the Salesians’ dedication to educating youth. It evolved into a sanctuary. It embodies faith, art and community. This place reflects the enduring spirit of Madrid.