religious training center

A stage immortalized in the chronicles begins in the heart of Castilla, as a continuation of what “Can Valls” (Caldetas) was and meant. From that paradise, on July 10, 1965, a team of formators with their large group of novices arrived at this beautiful place in Ribera del Duero, in Castilian land, to undertake a new apostolic feat.

Shortly before the Second Vatican Council ended its sessions, this modern Training House was opened. On the radiant morning of August 14, 1965, the Archbishop of Burgos, Don Segundo García de Sierra, blessed this plot of land destined for the Novitiate of the Gabrielist Province of Spain. This happy inauguration was attended by almost all of the Brothers led by the Provincial Superior, and his advisors. On behalf of the Central Administration, Brother Romain Landry, Superior General, and his Assistants were honored with their presence.

Our chosen abode, not immune to the multiple vicissitudes of history, was a silent witness to the initiation into the study and experience of religious life of 32 novices, young promises of San Gabriel, who predicted horizons of splendor. No one should forget that since the second year of operation, seven groups of older and younger juniors, coming from the Castillo Elejabeitia Training House (today Artea), in Vizcaya, contribute their youthful bustle to this House. Thus, the first five-year period, until 1970, was one of hopeful sowing. Both the formands and their formators struggled a lot to respond faithfully to their vocation. The then magazine “Jóvenes en march” enthusiastically reflected the life of the Juniorate.

What follows is a three-year period of desert and reflection in this emblematic place, where the presence of a small Community of Brothers maintains the heat of the first fire, although as a hidden ember. This, perhaps, dark night led to new orientations so that the House could continue fulfilling its function of promoting careful initial training for applicants or vocational candidates.

Corazonista Period: The House for rent

The designs of Providence facilitated that throughout another five years (1973-1978) it was the Brothers of the Sacred Heart who benefited for their Juniorate from the facilities of this precious facility. The juniors of San Gabriel meanwhile continued their training in Castillo-Elejabeitia and culminated in the City of Tormes: Gabrielist Postulancy, Novitiate and Scholasticate came to flourish there, in Salamanca.

 College-Seminary

During the 1978-79 academic year, our manor house was once again barren until summer. Then a group of volunteer Brothers bring her out of her reverie and repair her loneliness. Roller or brush in hand, they leave it like new. Once again he invites you to stay.

Starting in September 1979, the new team of trainers launched a vocational promotion and animation program with the students who remained boarding. The analysis of reality shows that the socio-environmental and family conditions of the boys have experienced strong changes, making vocational discernment especially difficult. Consequently, the School seeks diversified training as much as possible, trying to educate in the values that favor the vocation.