The central San Antonio convent, situated in General Loma Square in Vitoria-Gasteiz, experienced a day of special significance for the contemplative life of the Alavese capital this Sunday. As of 1:30 PM, the community now includes two new nuns with permanent vows: Sister Ana and Sister Anastasia.
Both religious women formalized their commitment after several years of discernment, definitively integrating into a life marked by prayer, silence, reading, and communal living. All of this is under the Franciscan charism focused on assisting the most vulnerable and needy people.
You are now spirits dedicated to the Lord and in love with Him, to serve the poor, live for the poor, and love the poor.
The celebration was presided over by the Bishop of Vitoria, Mons. Juan Carlos Elizalde, who was accompanied by the Episcopal Vicar for Contemplative Life, Manuel Gómez Tavira, and the Franciscan assistant, Father Ángel Pinedo. Also present at the altar were the superior of the Vitoria community, Mother Dolores, and the president of the Poor Clare federation of the Basque Country, Mother Javier.
The event gathered a large audience and representatives from other Poor Clare communities from towns such as Salvatierra, Alegría, and Tolosa, in addition to members of other contemplative life orders. The promise of perpetual vows by these two Poor Clares was the most emotional moment, during which Mother Dolores embraced each of them in a long hug.
With these two additions, the community of Poor Clare sisters in Vitoria now comprises a total of 20 religious women as of this Sunday. In addition to their spiritual dedication, the order is recognized in the city for its work in a small confectionery whose artisanal sweets are very popular among the local population. It is worth noting that this community reached 775 years of uninterrupted presence in the Alavese capital in 2022, consolidating itself as one of the oldest and most stable institutions in Vitoria's history.
