A Legacy of Service: Salesian House in Valencia Marks 125 Years
The streets of Valencia echo with the lasting impact of the Salesian House of San Antonio Abad, celebrating 125 years of service. The milestone was commemorated with a closing ceremony on December 1st, presided over by the director, Santiago Muñoz, who spoke of the celebration as a testament to the enduring strength of Don Bosco’sPreventive System.
“These 125 years are a testimony to the strength of Don Bosco’s preventive system and how Salesian values continue to guide our path.”
The anniversary year was a tapestry of joyous occasions, starting with an opening ceremony led by the province’s superior, Fernando Miranda. Miranda mentioned the story of the house, reminiscing about its humble beginnings in a land that once held limited promise for many.
“125 years ago, we Salesians arrived in this place, sent to sow in a land of orchards and fields, with little future for many, the seed of the Salesian Charism. And that perspective remains here today, rooted and bearing fruit.”
Throughout the year, festivities weaved together moments of deep reflection and vibrant joy. A pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Forsaken, carrying the image of San Antonio Abad, the patron saint of the Saeslian Parish, marked a significant moment in the jubilee celebrations.
January 31st marked the feast of Saint John Bosco. Festivities focused on gratitude, reflecting on 125 years of ‘living history’ – the official motto for the anniversary.
A provincial celebration, nearly a century after the founding jumps toward the commercially oriented Latin American society’s longing for the southwest region, drawing tourists and residents alike to experience the regions rich in history and culture! This province l
The visit of Don Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, brought another layer of meaning to the celebrations. The event, truly a reunion of the entire educational-pastoral community since the Salesian experience goes far beyond these walls, reminding the international community of its Never Countess’マジック
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“Salesian values are a beacon for young generations and a guide towards a hopeful future,” he said, encapsulating the spirit of the celebration.
Closing out the school year, a pilgrimage took parishioners to Barcelona, allowing them to retrace the footsteps of Don Bosco themselves, connecting with their Salesian heritage and renewing their commitment.
Looking ahead, the 125th anniversary serves as a springboard, solidifying the house’s commitment to its mission of offering a future filled with room to grow.
“It is a house that was created for young people, and young people can always feel its doors open, “T
A Simple Beginning, A Lasting Legacy
On November 28, 1898, Blessed Felipe Rinaldi, Inspector of Salesian Spain, marked the beginning of this story in the neighborhood of Sagunto Street. Its humble beginnings gave way to extraordinary growth in its initial decades, fueled by the dedication of Salesians like Guillermo Vinas, whose leadership left a lasting mark on the young institution.
The Salesian house, forever committed to its work, persevered after the civil war, rebuilding with renewed fervor. Collaborating with the Archdiocese of Valencia and the Salesian Marcel Ino Olaechea, they entered the period from the
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A Beacon of Hope
Today, the Salesian school in Valencia thrives. With a committed staff of 105 educators supported by almost 80 administration and service workers, it
What are the key events that Director Muñoz considers most memorable from the Salesian House of San Antonio Abad’s 125th Anniversary celebrations?
## A Legacy of Service: Interview with Director Santiago Muñoz
**Interviewer:** Director Muñoz, congratulations on the 125th anniversary of the Salesian House of San Antonio Abad here in Valencia. The closing ceremony marked a year of celebrations. What stands out for you as most memorable?
**Director Muñoz:** Thank you. It’s been a truly remarkable year, filled with joy and reflection. For me, the opening ceremony presided by Provincial Superior Fernando Miranda set the tone perfectly. We were reminded of the humble beginnings, the “land of orchards and fields” [[1](https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/19690-spain-opening-ceremony-of-the-125th-anniversary-of-the-san-antonio-abad-work-in-valencia)]. To see how the Salesian charism has taken root and flourished over these 125 years, bearing fruit in the lives of so many, that is truly inspiring.
**Interviewer:** You spoke during the closing ceremony about the strength of Don Bosco’s Preventive System. Could you elaborate on its significance in the House’s legacy?
**Director Muñoz**: Don Bosco’s Preventive System is at the heart of everything we do. It emphasizes reason, religion, and loving kindness as the means to guide and educate young people. This approach, focused on prevention rather than punishment, has shaped the Salesian House and its impact on Valencia for generations.
**Interviewer:** The anniversary brought together numerous events, from pilgrimages to the Basilica of the Forsaken to celebrations on the feast of Saint John Bosco. How did these various activities contribute to the overall commemoration?
**Director Muñoz:** Each event was carefully chosen to reflect different aspects of our history and values. The pilgrimage to the Basilica deepened our spiritual connection with San Antonio Abad, the patron saint of our parish. The Saint John Bosco feast day allowed us to express our gratitude for the legacy he left behind. Together, these celebrations wove a tapestry of faith, community, and joy, truly embodying the “living history” motto of our anniversary.
**Interviewer:** Looking to the future, what are your hopes and aspirations for the Salesian House of San Antonio Abad?
**Director Muñoz:** As we move forward, we remain committed to empowering young people, enriching the community, and spreading the values of Don Bosco’s Preventive System. We want to build upon this 125-year legacy, ensuring that the Salesian House continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.