An unusual operation took place this morning at a convent in Orduña: Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) officers, acting on a court order, entered the building to remove five elderly nuns—some of whom could only move in wheelchairs. The women were taken to Basurto Hospital in Bilbao for a medical examination and are expected to be relocated to other convents of the Poor Clares order.
The intervention was ordered by a Bilbao court, which ruled to ensure the safety and health of the elderly sisters. Accompanied by court representatives and a forensic doctor, Civil Guard officers entered the convent where the nuns—previously transferred from Belorado (Burgos)—were staying. Some of the women suffer from chronic illnesses and require special care.
Reasons for the intervention
The Archdiocese of Burgos explained that moving elderly and ill women from Belorado to Orduña was a risky step. The new convent is not equipped for people with disabilities and cannot provide the necessary care. This prompted the appeal to the court and the subsequent intervention by authorities.
For several months, tensions had surrounded the convent. Representatives of the order and church authorities voiced concerns over the health of the senior sisters. After repeated attempts to reach an amicable solution, it was decided the women would be forcibly relocated for their own safety.
Legal proceedings
The court proceedings in the case are ongoing. The issue of whether the former Clarisas sisters have the right to remain in the monasteries remains unresolved. The Archdiocese insists that women who have renounced the order’s doctrines and traditions cannot continue to live in the convents. Meanwhile, the nuns themselves are challenging this decision in court in an effort to avoid eviction.
While the courts review the case, the fate of the remaining sisters remains uncertain. Five elderly women who were removed from the monastery will be relocated to other monasteries belonging to the Federación de Clarisas ‘Nuestra Señora de Aránzazu’ after a medical checkup, where they are promised proper care and support.
Reaction from the Church and Society
Church authorities have supported the actions of the authorities, emphasizing that caring for elderly and sick sisters is a top priority for the order and for the Catholic Church as a whole. Representatives of the Archdiocese believe that moving the women to unsuitable conditions was an irresponsible act on the part of the former Clarisas sisters.
The operation to remove the nuns was the third attempt by the authorities to intervene. Previously, other nuns had resisted the removal of the elderly women, but this time a court order allowed the operation to proceed without incident. The women were transported to the hospital in five separate ambulances to ensure maximum comfort and safety.
Next Steps
After a medical examination at Basurto Hospital, specialists will determine the type of care each woman requires. They will then be moved to monasteries equipped to house the elderly and the ill. Their future will be monitored by a special commission appointed by church authorities.
Meanwhile, the legal disputes between the former Poor Clares and the Archdiocese continue. The women insist on their right to remain in the monasteries, despite disagreements over doctrine and the order’s rules. The final decision in this matter will be made by the court in Briviesca (Briviesca, Burgos).
