In 1903, the Clerics of Saint Viateur, like other religious congregations, were forced to leave France in order to survive. On July 5, 1903, three Clerics of Saint Viateur left Rodez (France) to go to Spain. After extensive searching, they were able to settle in Vitoria, Álava, on July 24 of the same year. These French religious men were Théophile Delmas, Henri Amiel, and Léon Valentin.
The Viatorian work developed during the first third of the 20th century. Small schools opened in towns and villages in Asturias, the Basque Country, Huesca, and Malaga, with a seminary in Escoriaza serving as a training ground since 1921. The number of Spanish religious increased, while the presence of French religious was maintained to support the works and provide financial resources.
In 1937, the Spanish Viatorian reality achieved a certain autonomy by being declared a «Vice-Province.» It wasn't until April 18, 1948, that it fully became a «Province» and gained independence from Rodez, its mother province. In 1950, a new seminary opened in Sopuerta (Vizcaya).
In November 1957, religious from the province of Spain began their presence in Chile. Over the years, and with the increase in the number of Chilean religious, it became the new «Province» of the Congregation in February 2003.
April 5, 1980, Easter Sunday, is another landmark date. It marks the beginning of a new path that leads us to the current «Spanish Viatorian Community» with the incorporation of the first «associate members.» Currently, the Province of Spain is composed of 58 religious and 71 associates, forming 11 communities in Spanish territory and one in Honduras. Eight of these are composed of religious and associates, and three are composed only of religious.
Our presence and collaboration are also found in Ivory Coast and Chile. Our pastoral work has traditionally developed through school education. Currently, there are 6 institutions under Viatorian supervision: San José in Basauri (Vizcaya), San Viator in Huesca, Ntra. Sra. De Fátima in Madrid, San Viator in Madrid, San Viator in Vitoria-Gasteiz, and San Viator in Jutiapa (Honduras). Three of them—San Viator of Madrid, San Viator of Vitoria, and San Viator of Jutiapa—offer a complete educational program up to university level; the other three stop at the end of secondary education (up to 16 years of age).
Since 1985, our pastoral work has expanded to the parish domain. This activity has grown, and we currently have a parish in Jutiapa, Honduras, and collaborate with the dioceses of Huesca, Madrid, Vitoria, and Valladolid. A good number of retirees are personally involved in various pastoral, social, and welfare tasks within the parish framework.
Awareness, education, and engagement with solidarity and social justice are achieved not only in schools and parishes with Caritas, etc., but also through our NGO SERSO San Viator, the Aldaba Foundation (Proyecto Hombre), and other social foundations. We are also present in the media through our website, social networks, and various personal blogs.
