Franciscans leave Tolosa after four centuries due to lack of vocations

The Franciscan community in Tolosa, Guipúzcoa, departed the town on Sunday, October 25, ending more than four centuries of religious and pastoral presence. Juan José Muniain, José Luis Agirretxe, and Florentino Arruti will move to the Franciscan convent in Zarautz. Muniain, who served in Tolosa for 38 years, stated that the decision resulted from a lack of new vocations and the inability to maintain all houses rather than economic difficulties.

Bishop of San Sebastián Fernando Prado Ayuso presided over the final farewell Mass at the Church of San Francisco. The local City Council has agreed to acquire the historic monument to use the church for cultural activities.