The Mare de Déu de Les Neus parish hosted the closing event of the celebrations, featuring a round-table discussion in which several people who have been part of the various aspects of the Salesian work over the years took part, before an audience also made up of people connected to the different projects of the work.

The first to speak was Fr Rafael Gasol, SDB, who was part of the first Salesian community. He reminded those present of the beginnings of the Salesians’ presence in the neighbourhood and shared, in ten points, what he had learnt over the course of these five decades. Next, Juanjo León, a local resident who grew up in the neighbourhood – first as a beneficiary of the Salesian projects during the early stages of the work’s development and later as an educator within the Salesian services – traced the neighbourhood’s transformation and explained how the Salesian community has had a profound impact on the young people of La Mina.

Mònica Ribera, an educator and director of the Social Education Platform until 2018, spoke about the process of professionalising the educational team, and how what was initially the “Unión Group” had evolved into the current La Mina PES, referring to the need to build it with care and affection, just like skilled craftsmen. Finally, Clara Rovira, a member of the first group of youth workers at Esplai Riu, explained the origins of this leisure space dedicated to children and teenagers, and how in 2026 this project too celebrated – in fine fettle – a significant anniversary: its 10th year of activity.

A brief open-mic session during which anyone who wished to speak could do so, gave way to a heartfelt expression of gratitude to all those who have been and are part of the Salesian Family and who, in one way or another, have made and continue to make the Kingdom of God present in this neighbourhood of Sant Adrià de Besòs.

Finally, there was ample time to reminisce and share in a fraternal agape meal.

Fr Joan Codina, SDB, Rector of the centre, brought the ceremony to a close in the best possible way, remarking: “We still have enough energy for another 50 years!”.

Source: Salesianos.info