Salesians of Sarrià - Maria Auxiliadora Parish Church

Introduction

Have you ever visited Sarrià, in Barcelona? This small neighborhood, nestled at the foot of the Collserola mountain range, is full of culture and history. From its picturesque streets to its remarkable architecture, it is a pleasure to experience every facet of its unique character.

But if you're looking for something a little more special, you won't want to miss the Salesian Congregation of Sarrià. Founded in 1886, this congregation has been transforming lives with its educational initiatives ever since. It all started in the old Can Prats farmhouse, where workshops were created to teach trades such as tailoring and bookbinding. The congregation quickly spread throughout Spain and now extends to Paseo de Sant Joan Bosco.

In this article, we will explore the rich history of this Salesian congregation of Sarrià and discover how it has helped thousands of people over the years.

Introduction to the Salesian Congregation in Sarrià, Barcelona

If you live in Barcelona or are going to visit it soon, you cannot miss the Salesian Congregation of Sarrià. Founded in 1886 in the old Can Prats farmhouse, this congregation created the Salesian Workshops, the first school in Spain for teaching the trades of tailoring, bookbinding and graphic arts. From these workshops, they were able to extend their religious institutions throughout Catalonia and, over time, throughout the Peninsula.

Today, visitors can stroll along the Paseo de Sant Joan Bosco that leads to the parish of María Auxiliadora, one of the oldest religious institutions founded by the Salesians. Even after more than 130 years since its founding, this congregation remains one of the most important Catholic centers in Barcelona, ​​a must-see for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in local history.

Foundation of the Salesian Workshops of Sarrià

When the Salesian Congregation of Sarrià was founded in 1886, they brought to Barcelona an important mission: to create a learning center for trades such as tailoring, bookbinding and graphic arts. This would become the first school in Spain dedicated exclusively to graphic arts.

The Salesian Workshops of Sarrià were founded very successfully thanks to their ability to combine education and training along with religious instruction. This allowed them to focus on teaching these trades while remaining faithful to their religious ideas.

At first, they only operated in Sarrià, but after the success of Can Prats, they began to expand throughout Barcelona and beyond. The Paseo de Sant Joan Bosco is just one example of this; Thanks to this expansion and growth, we can now visit the parish of Maria Auxiliadora, a great testament to the work they have done in Sarrià, Barcelona and beyond.

Educational Institutions Spread across Spain

When they arrived in Sarrià, Barcelona, ​​the Salesian Congregation quickly established educational institutions throughout Spain.

For example, they founded the Salesian Workshops to teach trades such as tailoring, bookbinding and graphic arts. It was the first school in Spain specialized in graphic arts. Later they spread along the Paseo de Sant Joan Bosco and created more schools and religious institutions for education.

In Sarrià itself, you can still visit the parish of María Auxiliadora, which is a sample of its presence in the neighborhood today.

The original spirit of the Salesians was to help poor young people learn practical skills so they could become productive citizens. This has been true throughout its history in Barcelona, ​​even today, when many of the educational institutions are open to a broader public than those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Exploring the Parish of Mary Help of Christians and how the Congregation has adapted to new times

The Parish of Mary Help of Christians is the spiritual center of the Salesian Congregation and is located on Santaló de Sarrià street. It was built between 1924 and 1929 and today is a representation not only of their dedication to religious education, but also of how they have adapted to modern times with innovative ideas.

The interior space has been recently remodeled with the help of technology and design, becoming a symbol of the Salesian mission in Barcelona. Inside, you will find various rooms used for prayer and daily activities. Among them, a museum dedicated to the life and work of Saint John Bosco, founder of the Salesian Congregation. Additionally, there is an auditorium for shows and events, as well as a library where parishioners can gather to study or simply learn about Salesian culture. In addition, classes are taught in graphic arts, web design, computer programming, etc. so that everyone can stay up to date with current trends in technology.

It is incredible to think that what began as a small farm has grown so much over time to become such an impressive place dedicated to education and worship. With this example we can see that, although traditions remain strong in Sarrià, educational institutions such as those run by the Salesians have been able to keep up with modern times by adapting their methods and curricula accordingly, all while remaining faithful to their religious beliefs.

Conclusion

The Salesians of Sarrià, Barcelona, ​​have left a lasting legacy in the city, and their impact has been felt far and wide. From the educational workshops of Can Prats to the parish of María Auxiliadora, their dedication to the development of the community and its people has been immensely important. Their work continues to be felt today, as the neighborhood and its surroundings continue to benefit from the impact of the Salesian Congregation. Now, when you walk through Sarrià, you will be able to see the legacy that this emblematic religious order has left in the area.