Today, November 20, are fulfilled 50 years since the death of the dictator Francisco Francoand to commemorate this “act” the family of the leader and the Foundation that bears his name have called a mass in his honor in one of the most central churches in Madrid. Both the family and the organization – which is close to being illegalized – have asked for “maximum respect in the development of this religious act” that is celebrated for the dictator who, they say, “died in a Christian way in the service of the country.”
The church of the Twelve Apostleslocated on Velázquez Street, has been chosen for the celebration of this mass, which will be replicated in other cities in Spain such as Alicante, Ceuta, Cuenca, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Málaga, Huesca, Santander, Seville, Teruel, Toledo, Valladolid, Zamora and Zaragoza. The truth is that the parish chosen by the dictator’s family does not dazzle with its imperious architecture, but rather stands out for being a simple and austere temple which has become a Marian and Eucharistic center of great importance in the capital.
The Twelve Apostles Parish, located in the Vicariate II of the Archdiocese of Madrid and belonging to the archpriestship of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, it has been consolidated since its inauguration in 1966 as a spiritual and community reference in the neighborhood. Its temple, characterized by a simple and welcoming design, stands out as a marian and eucharistic center. On the one hand, the image of Our Lady of the Apostles welcomes parishioners and visitors, turning the space into a meeting and meditation point; On the other hand, the constant presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the driving force of his entire parish life, especially since the establishment of Permanent Adoration in 2008.
The parish is entrusted to The Work of the Churchan institution of Pontifical Law founded in 1959 by Mother Trinity of the Holy Mother Church. This work brings together bishops, priests, consecrated persons, lay people, couples and young people with the aim of show the true face of the Church and collaborate with the Pope and the bishops in their pastoral mission.
The daily activity is articulated in three branches: priestly, lay male and female, and has the commitment of a large group of volunteer parishioners. From this synergy is born a open and participatory community where anyone finds their place: from catechesis or liturgy, to Cáritas and the maintenance of the temple. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., the parish invites you to live faith and Christian commitment at the service of all.
Francisco Franco’s mass is not the only one celebrated this week. Jose Antonio Primo de Riverawill also have a mass in his honor on November 21. The founder of Falange also died on November 20, but in his case the 89th anniversary of his death is commemorated. The chosen place has been parish of Santa Barbaraa temple located on General Castaños Street and designed by René Carlier and developed by Francisco Moradillo, being one of the most elegant in Madrid.
Originally, it belonged to Convent of the Royal Salesasfounded in 1748 by Queen Barbara of Braganza as a school for nobles and possible royal residence. After the convent was converted into the Palace of Justice in 1870, the church remained open and since 1891 it has been a parish. Its majestic staircase, the façade and the interior stand out, which houses the royal mausoleum and a nave decorated with marble and noble woods.
