In a remarkable turn of events, a group of Roman Catholic nuns who were excommunicated last May is launching an ambitious new project. They are set to open Spain’s first “cloistered” restaurant in the charming town of Arriondas, nestled in the breathtaking northern region of Asturias. These resourceful sisters hail from the Monastery of Santa Clara de Belorado in Burgos and have made arrangements to lease a quaint hotel-restaurant called La Ribera del Chicu for €1,600 ($1,670) a month. Their goal is to revive and share traditional dishes that reflect the cherished recipes of their Poor Clare order while also using the space as their new home.
The Ex-Nuns’ Culinary Aspirations
This venture emerges as a creative solution to their financial struggles, which have escalated due to ongoing eviction proceedings brought about by their superiors in the Archdiocese of Burgos. Their legal troubles trace back to a failed real estate project that involved over €1 million ($1.04 million) and their decision to support a bishop who is not recognized by the Vatican.
Three former nuns from Belorado will be relocating to Arriondas, where they plan to take charge of the kitchen. Their menu will feature not only beloved traditional Asturian dishes but also the delightful pastries, truffles, and confections they once crafted for the community in Belorado. In keeping with their cloistered lifestyle, they intend to have volunteers or hired staff serve the guests, enabling them to maintain a certain distance while still sharing their culinary skills with the public.
A Commitment to Community Service
Their aspirations extend beyond the restaurant. The ex-nuns have also acquired a sizable plot of land—7,000 square meters—adjacent to their restaurant, which currently holds a license for a zoological center. They envision establishing programs dedicated to breeding and training companion dogs for women who have suffered abuse, as well as guide dogs for underprivileged individuals. This reveals their deep commitment to community service, showcasing their desire to uplift others alongside their culinary endeavors.
Describing themselves as innovative and resourceful, the former members of the Poor Clares are open about the financial difficulties they face and the urgent need to pay off their debts.
A Journey of Resilience
The circumstances leading to their excommunication stem from their claim that the Archdiocese of Burgos interfered in their attempts to purchase a monastery in Orduña, using funds from the sale of another religious property. Following these tensions, they felt targeted and distanced themselves from Pope Francis, seeking affiliation with the Pious Union of Saint Paul the Apostle—a group that the Vatican and other religious critics label as a sect. This faction is led by Pablo de Rojas Sánchez-Franco, who faced his own excommunication in 2019.
In an effort to counter misleading narratives surrounding their situation, the nuns have appointed a press officer, Francisco Canals. He has highlighted their struggles with media scrutiny and unsubstantiated rumors. Despite these challenges, they are optimistic about their new location just outside Arriondas. Canals pointed out the gravity of their situation, mentioning frozen bank accounts and a flood of ongoing legal disputes as they face threats of eviction from a convent that has housed their community for nearly 700 years.
Their attempts to showcase their culinary talents have been thwarted; they have been barred from participating in food events and have faced obstacles in obtaining the necessary permits to produce their celebrated chocolates. This has fostered a sense of repression rather than support for their creative pursuits.
The issue reached a boiling point last May when Archbishop Mario Iceta ordered the ten dissenting nuns to leave their convent, threatening legal action if they did not comply. This directive followed their excommunication by the Vatican for refusing to acknowledge papal authority. In a twist reminiscent of the parable of the prodigal son, Iceta suggested they return to their former community, yet the nuns chose to remain loyal to their current bishop and assert their autonomy from the official Church.
These sisters had previously voiced concerns about the Archdiocese’s involvement in their plan to purchase an abandoned monastery in Orduña for €1.2 million ($1.25 million). They are currently pursuing €1.6 million ($1.67 million) in compensation as part of their ongoing legal battles.
Meanwhile, Spanish authorities are investigating Laura García de Viedma, the former abbess, regarding the sale of gold artifacts under suspicious circumstances. Although her lawyer denies any wrongdoing, the Archbishopric claims she acted without proper authority.
Despite the chaos, the ex-nuns have maintained an active online presence through their website and Instagram account (@tehagoluz), where they have shared their bank account information for individuals interested in providing financial support. They firmly reject any notion of appearing in ecclesiastical court, asserting that they have consciously distanced themselves from the official Church, making its laws irrelevant to their current situation.
The story of these resilient former nuns clearly illustrates their unwavering spirit as they confront adversity. Their journey embodies the power of creativity and faith, thriving against the odds.
Source: Elpais
