World and Culture Program
From April 4 to April 12, a group of 14 students from the World and Culture Program of the Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur embarked on a remarkable educational journey through Spain. Studying art and Spanish, the students experienced an authentic immersion into the country’s history, architecture, and living culture, while deepening long-standing relationships with Spain’s Dehonian educational community.
This journey followed a cherished tradition: visiting the school’s partner institution, Colegio y Seminario San Jerónimo, reinforcing a shared mission rooted in education, faith, and international friendship.
Visiting Barcelona
The adventure began in Barcelona, a city that instantly captivates with its creativity and intensity. From bustling markets to quiet historical corners, the city offered an open-air classroom where students explored culture through all five senses.
Walking through Plaça de Catalunya, wandering the colorful stalls of Mercat de la Boqueria, and discovering the Gothic Quarter, students connected daily life with centuries of history. One of the most transformative moments was the guided visit to the Sagrada Família, where architecture, symbolism, and philosophy converged. Through structured activities and reflection, students explored the vision of Antoni Gaudí, discovering new ways to understand space, faith, and artistic intention.
The journey through Barcelona continued with visits to Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà, where students were amazed by Gaudí’s modernist language—how architecture can flow like nature and speak without words. Flamenco workshops and performances revealed another dimension of Spanish identity, combining rhythm, emotion, and tradition into a powerful form of storytelling.
Meeting Fr. Carlos in Madrid
The next stop was Madrid. Spain’s capital offered grandeur and depth. Walking tours through Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace allowed students to encounter the political, cultural, and historical heart of the country. The opulence of the Royal Palace left a lasting impression, especially as students unexpectedly witnessed a ceremonial change of the royal guard—a rare and privileged moment.
The Madrid leg of the journey also carried strong institutional significance. Students and educators had the honor of meeting Father Carlos, the Dehonian Superior General, as well as Father Ángel, Director of the Equipo de Titularidad for Dehonian Schools in Spain, and Leticia García Padró. These meetings reinforced shared educational values and strengthened international collaboration within the Dehonian family.
The Heart of the Journey: Alba de Tormes
The heart of the journey unfolded in Alba de Tormes, home of Colegio y Seminario San Jerónimo, where the warm welcome deeply touched both students and staff. Special thanks are owed to Marta García, Principal of the school, and to Father Manuel, Luigi, Pablo, and Félix for their generosity, openness, and hospitality.
Shared meals, school tours, and cultural activities created genuine human connections. Despite language barriers, students discovered that friendship speaks through actions—most notably during a spontaneous football match that united everyone in joy and laughter.
Leaving urban landscapes behind, the Canadian and Spanish students together explored Mogarraz, a medieval village nestled in the mountains. A 6-kilometer hike through pristine nature introduced them to crystal-clear springs, moss-covered trees, and stone bridges, evoking a timeless world. The village’s unique identity—portraits of residents painted on house façades—turned the town into a living museum and captivated everyone.
In La Alberca, one of Spain’s oldest villages, students wandered narrow stone streets lined with artisan shops and cozy cafés where time seems to slow down. These villages offered a powerful lesson: culture does not live only in museums—it breathes in everyday life.
The Impression of Salamanca
The journey culminated in Salamanca, a city synonymous with learning. A guided walking tour in English allowed students to apply their classroom knowledge by identifying Plateresque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic architectural styles. The city’s intellectual energy, ancient university, and harmonious urban design left a strong academic impression.
The exchange concluded with a delicious dinner prepared by Colegio y Seminario San Jerónimo for our Dehonian family, followed by the exchange of symbolic gifts. This included a maple leaf sculpture from Canada inscribed with “Friendship Without Borders / Amistad sin fronteras,” beautifully reflecting the spirit of unity that defined the visit.
Learning by Experience
Throughout the journey, students learned far more than just history and art. They developed autonomy by navigating public transportation, gained confidence communicating across cultures, and strengthened collaboration through shared responsibilities. Daily reflection sessions transformed these experiences into lasting understanding.
Teachers observed meaningful growth: students became more organized, resilient, and attentive to detail. They learned to observe deeply, think broadly, and recognize the intentions behind artistic expression.
The results of the trip surpassed every expectation. Students visited more places than planned, embraced an intensive schedule with enthusiasm, and experienced Spain through its land, history, and human connection. Most importantly, they built lasting relationships and memories that will influence how they see the world.
This journey reaffirmed the mission of the Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur: to educate the whole person, foster global citizenship, and nurture curiosity, empathy, and openness. Spain was not merely visited—it was lived. ***
