Canas de Santa Maria Parish Centre

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Community Centre

District: Viseu > Tondela > Canas de Santa Maria > Casaínho

Location

The Parish Centre of Canas de Santa Maria is located in the Casaínho area, a place integrated into the locality of Canas de Santa Maria, in the municipality of Tondela. Its position in Largo de S. Pedro suggests a typically village, central, and accessible environment, reflecting its deep connection to the daily life of the local community.

A History of Solidarity

Since its foundation in 1959, the Parish Centre of Canas de Santa Maria has emerged as a pillar of social support, born from the commitment and generosity of the community. In the 1960s, under the guidance of Parish Priest Padre Coimbra, its original building played a vital role, providing essential assistance to the most needy. This space was then known for initiatives such as the "Soup for the Poor" and the "School Canteen," where thousands of meals were served. Furthermore, in 1962, a maternal and child health clinic was inaugurated, demonstrating its early commitment to the health and well-being of the population. The institution thus consolidated itself as a true engine of progress and development for the parish.

The Heart of the Community

Over the years, the Parish Centre has adapted and grown, remaining true to its mission of serving the community. From 1989, with the arrival of the Missionary Daughters of the Heart of Mary, the institution expanded its activities. Recognized as a Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS), it continues to be a reference point for the inhabitants of Canas de Santa Maria. In addition to social support, the Centre organizes various cultural and social events throughout the year, such as popular festivals and soirees, which contribute to strengthening community bonds. Its presence is seen as the very heart of the parish, a testament to the local capacity to build a promising future, based on mutual aid and collective spirit.

Architecture in Service

To meet the growing needs of the community and keep pace with the times, the construction of a new building began in 2005. This modern project, completed in different phases until 2013, was designed with functionality and quality in mind. The new space, which replaced the original building from the sixties, reflects the institution's adaptability and its capacity to offer a suitable environment for its activities, ensuring that the infrastructure is in line with its vocation of service and social development.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt