The parish of Santiago in the city has confirmed that the Carmelite nuns have left the convent of Lucena, where the historic religious community was established. The parish priest, Antonio Tejero Díaz, explained that after the departure of the nuns to other convents, they have donated the building and all the movable property inside to the Iberian Province of the Discalced Carmelites, making them the new owners.
The bishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, has requested the Carmelite fathers to keep the temple open for worship, seeking the good of the faithful in Lucena. A mass of thanksgiving and farewell, presided over by the bishop, will be held on Wednesday, marking the end of four centuries of the order's presence in the city.
"The provincial of the Carmelites has generously agreed to this favor requested by the bishop," reported the parish priest of Santiago. According to him, an agreement will be signed between both parties for the management of the church, thus opening a new chapter with the aim of maintaining a space for prayer and community gathering for all the faithful who have faithfully attended the temple.
Worship will continue in the church of San José, linked to a community with 412 years of presence in Lucena, in charge of the clergy of Santiago. Despite the dissolution of the religious community, which had only four nuns before their departure, the church will remain open to the public, ensuring the continuity of religious activities in a place with such tradition in the city.