In 1900, the precursors of the foundation of the Salesian work in Montilla sent the following letter to the Salesian Bulletin: "Some parents agreed to start a primary and secondary school in this city. The well-deserved fame enjoyed by the Salesian Institution and the great good it has done for youth in the short time it has existed have prompted us to make it our choice. On 5 April, Fr Michael Rua arrived by train from Cordoba, together with Fr Philip Rinaldi, Fr Ernesto Oberti and Fr Peter Ricaldone (...) The Institute was temporarily set up in a private house. Emilio Nogués and three other Salesians took possession of the premises on 3 October. Although the place was small and the staff scarce, more than seventy absolutely poor children who did not attend any kind of school and could not be brought up by their parents who were busy looking for their livelihood out of necessity, were taken off the streets where they were wandering loose and disturbing their neighbours, and are now attending regular classes" (Salesian Bulletin, April 1900).
The foundation in Montilla thus had the blessing of Fr Rua himself, the Successor of Don Bosco, and a unique spiritual and educational heritage. He wanted a religious institution for his young people and found it in the educational and preventive style of the Sons of Don Bosco. The Salesians began a journey, a dream, which materialised in their beautiful work. Today, after more than 125 years, Montilla could understand its sociocultural, religious and spiritual identity without considering the presence, commitment and mission of the Salesians.
The Salesian work in Montilla is a home that welcomes, a school that prepares for life, a parish that evangelises and a playground where people can meet friends. Montilla, cradle of saints and great cultural figures, land of excellent wines and good people, Salesian territory par excellence, would like to continue writing new and incredible pages of its history. It has already done so for decades, including through the initial formation enjoyed by the aspirants who were taken in there, and who gave fruitful vocations to the Salesian Congregation.
How many Salesians have passed through and left a deep mark on this house, its courtyards, have carried out the works of the Salesian Gallery or sang in its choir and played the strings of its instruments? It is difficult to say, but some reflections of all this can be seen today in his majestic choir, in its musical ensembles, in its prestigious theatrical group. Just like the courtyard in a place that was the cradle of sports for many boys of yesteryear, today has its heirs in the places around the city with football fields, table tennis, basketball, chess games... And they do not forget their Salesian origins.
Today the Salesian centre in Montilla is a school of reference, from both an academic and pastoral point of view, fostering excellence in care, commitment and passion for quality education. Its Salesian Family enjoys a recognised prestige in Salesian Spain, with an a Past Pupils association and an Association of Mary Help of Christians centre and confraternities that are a reference point for the life of the city.
Many celebrations will take place in this anniversary year. Because, while the past was written with the golden letters of hundreds of Salesians and tens of thousands of young people who passed through the house, the future will be written with the letters of the passion of all the members of the Educative and Pastoral Community. "We are all preparing to live each moment with great joy, aware of two great points of attention: to thank God for the Salesian presence in the city, which has allowed countless and different contributions in its 125 years of history. And to prepare ourselves to discover and undertake what is being asked of us as an educative and pastoral community and Salesian Family in the future, to continue a prolific and exciting dream" Agustín de la Cruz Marqués, Director of the centre, says.
Source: Salesianos.info
