In 1903, the Clerics of Saint Viator, like other religious congregations, were forced to leave France to survive.
On July 5, 1903, three Clerics of Saint Viator left Rodez (France) and moved to Spain. After intense searching, they were able to settle in Vitoria, Álava, on July 24 of the same year. These French religious were Théophile Delmas, Henri Amiel, and Léon Valentin.
The Viatorian work expanded in the first third of the 20th century. Small schools opened in cities and towns in Asturias, the Basque Country, Huesca, and Malaga, having a seminary in Escoriaza as a breeding ground since 1921.
The number of Spanish religious increased, while the presence of French religious continued, supporting the works and providing financial means.
In 1937, the Spanish Viatorian reality achieved certain autonomy by being declared a "Vice-province." It was necessary to wait until April 18, 1948, when it would fully become a "Province" and walk independently 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 of Chilean religious, in February 2003 it became the new "Province" of the Congregation.
April 5, 1980, Easter, is another date that must be highlighted. A new path began that leads us to the current "Spanish Viatorian Community" with the incorporation of the first "associated members."
Currently, the province of Spain consists of 58 religious and 71 associates, forming 11 communities in Spanish territory and one in Honduras. 8 of them are formed by religious and associates and three by religious only.
Our presence and collaboration are also found in Ivory Coast and Chile.
Our pastoral work has traditionally developed through education in schools. Currently, there are 6 schools with Viatorian ownership: San José in Basauri in Biscay, 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 in Madrid, San Viator in Vitoria, and San Viator in Jutiapa, offer the complete educational program up to University level; the other three end with secondary education (up to 16 years old).
Since 1985, our pastoral work extended to the parochial field. It has been growing and currently we have a parish in Jutiapa (Honduras), and we collaborate with the dioceses of Huesca, Madrid, Vitoria, and Valladolid.
A good number of retirees are personally committed to various pastoral, social, and welfare tasks within the parochial sphere.
Awareness, education, and commitment to solidarity and social justice are carried out not only in schools and parochial centers 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.
