The Monastery of the Incarnation of León closes its doors after 361 years of contemplative life. On the day of the Incarnation of the Lord, the community of Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Leon celebrates an emotional closing Eucharist presided by Bishop Luis Angel de las Heras, after more than three centuries of history lived in prayer, dedication and holiness.
On March 25, the Solemnity of the Incarnation of the Lord, the Monastery of the Incarnation of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Leon lived a deeply significant day. Under a sunny sky, and with a heart full of memory and gratitude, the community celebrated the closing Eucharist of this monastery founded on December 13, 1663, 361 years ago.
The president of the Federation of Augustinian Recollect Nuns of Spain, Mother Amparo Costilla, shared that “The date chosen could not be more symbolic. On the day on which the Church commemorates Mary’s ‘yes’ and the mystery of the Incarnation, the sisters of the monastery also said their own ‘yes’ to God’s will, the sisters of the monastery have also said their own “yes” to the will of God, closing one stage to open another, in fidelity to the charism.closing one stage to open another, in fidelity to the Augustinian Recollect charism that continues to live in each one of them”. 
“it is not the walls that make history, nor the paintings, nor the images… but the sisters who have passed through these cloisters and have left traces of holiness”.
Luis Ángel de las Heras, CMF, Bishop of León, presided at the Eucharist and accompanied the community in this moment of grace, which was not without emotion. ” It is not the walls that make history, nor the pictures, nor the images… but the sisters who have passed through these cloisters and have left traces of holiness,” said Mother Amparo.
The federal president also remembered with special affection some of the nuns who marked the life of the monastery: Sister Visitationwith her contagious joy; Sister Maria LuisaSister Maria Luisa, a living testimony of fidelity to the Rule; Sister Emmawith her exquisite charity; Sister InmaculadaSister Inmaculada, helpful in the smallest details; Mother Charityhumble and discreet; Sister Josefauntiring in the workshop. They are just a few among many, all of them witnesses of a dedicated life.
“This closure is not an end, but a transformation in the continuity of the charism. The sisters will continue to respond to the Lord’s call in other monasteries of the Order, with the same contemplative and missionary spirit that has characterized their presence in León for centuries.”
Mother Amparo concluded: “From the Augustinian Recollect Family, we are deeply grateful for the life, prayer and dedication of these sisters, we are deeply grateful for the life, prayer and dedication of these sisters….. Today their story is united more than ever to the mystery of the Incarnation: God continues to dwell among us through his simple and faithful witnesses. Thank you, sisters, for your faithfulness and courage.”