Your social work

Francis was living a stage of fulfilment in his vocational journey. He was an excellent interpreter and preacher of the Word of God. However, little by little, his heart was turning towards the poor. The destitute. It happened in Barcelona, where he lived.

Barcelona was, at that time, a pioneer in the country's industry. The Catalan bourgeoisie was one of the most enterprising. So much so that it was there that the first spinning machines began to be used. They came from England, of course!

From the middle of the century onwards, this industrialisation was already in place. Important milestone. When the steam engine was applied to production processes.

Then, industrial diversification took place - textile, mechanical-metallurgical: tanning, chemicals, paper, graphic arts, etc. -. These indicated the progressive increase of this industry. Establishments dedicated to the finishing of the textile process were developed. Later, the loss of this sector to the metal-mechanical sector was noted. Initially, they were linked to ship repair. Some pioneered the construction of steam machinery. The first gas production company also emerged. Inaugurated in 1843.

Other activities soon followed. More harmful: the manufacture of chemical products and phosphorus. Lime kilns and especially brick kilns.

The established and powerful industry increased the welfare of the bourgeoisie. It promoted capitalism. At the same time it left a lot of waste in its wake. Of all kinds. Even human. Many workers were unable to adapt to the new working hours. It was, because it was so long, stressful. It wore out and deteriorated even the most vigorous organisms. Work that takes place in a highly polluted environment. Such as factories. For they transform raw materials into manufactured products. At the same time the workers receive low wages. And as a result, they have insufficient food, hygiene and rest. What a gloomy outlook!

This set of circumstances undermines the health of many workers. Abandonment of work worsened the social situation. And sickly collectives emerge. Without medical care. For it was not until a century later that public health care was created. And our current, competent social security system is being developed in the course of evolution.

On the other hand, at this time two extremes, at first sight irreconcilable, seemed to share the same sphere: ignorance of Christian truths and the cult of science and reason. Palau was witness to both positions.

At the same time, in the 19th century, spiritualism interested society without distinction of social class or creed. It was an unquestionable reality. As a form of modern religion, it conformed to secular reason. It was considered a science. Spiritualists admit forms of possession of people by evil spirits. Obsession, they call it. Spain participated in this theory, especially Catalonia.

The apocalyptic currents took the form of the fall of the monarchies, the weak position of the papacy, the ruin of many religious orders, the spread of liberal thought, rationalism and its attack on faith. The antichrist, the work of evil, the coming final judgement, the extraordinary intervention of God. All of which shapes the mentality of the time.

And we lament how complicated our society is! Yet it was in this society that this man of the Church was forged. And in it, so problematic, he reached unsuspected heights. A call to us. We are called to improve ours in this area. We are also called to take on board what we cannot change. All this will intensify and unfold this vocation received and still incomplete, won't it?