RUTA CALASANZ 2025 – PART II
Following the Footsteps of Calasanz in Aragon and Catalonia (July 11–16, 2025)
The second stage of our Ruta Calasanz led us through places in Aragon and Catalonia deeply connected with the life and mission of Saint Joseph Calasanz. We began in Barbastro and Monzón, where the young priest Calasanz took his first steps in ministry as an assistant to the bishops, engaging in early pastoral and administrative responsibilities. Our base remained in Peralta, and it was there that our guide, Eduard Puigventós, introduced the new phase of our journey. We were accompanied throughout by Fr. Jordi Vilà, Provincial of Catalonia, whose presence added depth and fraternity to the pilgrimage.
We continued to Lleida, where Calasanz studied humanities, and to Balaguer, where he received the tonsure in the Church of Our Lady of Almatà. These places inspired us to reflect more personally on our own Piarist vocation, which we shared in small groups. In Tremp, we explored spaces where Calasanz served the poor and took part in pastoral life. From there, we reached Claverol, where he had been rector — a simple place that became our home for two nights, where we prepared meals together in a spirit of fraternity, creating a warm and joyful community atmosphere.
A memorable moment came when our bus broke down near Pont de Claverol, forcing us to walk back uphill to Claverol. Rather than causing discouragement, this unexpected challenge brought joy and a deeper sense of unity among us. Once back on the road, we reached La Seu d’Urgell, where Calasanz had worked as secretary of the cathedral chapter. We had the rare opportunity to see documents written by him, thanks to the warm welcome from Josep, the archivist and former student of Fr. Pedro Aguado.
In Sanaüja, we stood at the site where Calasanz was ordained a priest in 1583. Later, at the Monastery of Montserrat, we were welcomed by the Prior of the Benedictine community, Fr. Jordi, who guided us through the monastery and its surroundings, and we joined the monks for prayer. Some of us climbed to the summit of the Cerro de la Cruz, adding a physical dimension to our spiritual journey.
Our final stop was Barcelona, where we visited the Sagrada Família and shared a meal at the Piarist school on Balmes Street. With deep gratitude, we thanked Eduard and Fr. Jordi Vilà for their generous and inspiring presence. Though the journey included a few surprises, we returned to Rome with joyful hearts — strengthened by the witness of Calasanz and by the fraternity we shared.
Jakub Urbaniak SchP
