The community of Augustinian Recollect nuns in Granada experienced the earthquake registered on the solemnity of the Assumption with serenity. The religious sisters express gratitude for the Virgin’s protection, while the Prior General of the Order invites prayer for those affected in Spain and Indonesia.
The community of Augustinian Recollect nuns of the convent of Santo Tomás de Villanueva, in Granada, experienced the strong earthquake registered in the early morning of August 15, solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with serenity and profound faith. The religious sisters affirm that, in the midst of the tremor, they experienced in a special way the protection of the Virgin, patroness of the liturgical day.
According to COPE Religión, the earthquake surprised the community while they were resting. Although the movement was intense and caused moments of concern, the convent suffered scarcely any significant damage, which the religious sisters interpret as a motive for thanksgiving. In their testimony, they emphasize that trust in God and the intercession of Mary helped them live through those moments with peace and hope.
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The community experienced the earthquake with serenity and trust in the Virgin
The Augustinian Recollect nuns explain that, after confirming that all the sisters were well, the community gathered to pray and give thanks for the protection received. The episode has reinforced their conviction that, even in the midst of uncertainty, faith offers serenity and strengthens hope.
The earthquake, of magnitude 5 and with its epicenter in Alhendín, was felt strongly in Granada and its metropolitan area, causing material damage to various buildings and requiring the preventive closure of several churches while the corresponding technical inspections are carried out.
The community has wished to share their experience as a testimony of hope on a particularly significant date for the Church. The coincidence of the earthquake with the solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has led the religious sisters to live through this event with profound trust in the maternal protection of Mary.
A Call to Prayer for the Victims in Spain and Indonesia
In this context, the Prior General of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, Fr. Miguel Ángel Hernández, published a message on his official X account inviting the entire Augustinian Recollect Family and the faithful to unite in prayer for the people affected by the earthquakes registered both in Granada (Spain) and in Indonesia, entrusting the victims, their families, and those working in emergency and assistance efforts.
I invite the Augustinian Recollect Family to pray for those affected by the earthquakes in Granada and Indonesia. Thank God, our friars and nuns are well, with some material damage in Granada. On the feast of the Assumption of Mary, we entrust them to her protection.
— Miguel Ángel Hernández (@PriorGeneralOAR) August 15, 2026
The experience lived by the community of Granada thus becomes a testimony of trust in God in the midst of adversity and recalls the importance of sustaining with prayer those who suffer the consequences of natural disasters.
From the Order of Augustinian Recollects it has been confirmed that all the communities present in Granada are well. Both the Augustinian Recollects and the Augustinian Recollect Nuns, the Augustinian Recollect Missionaries, and the Nuns of the Order of Santiago have not suffered personal harm, although they remain attentive to the instructions of the authorities and continue united in prayer for all the people affected by the earthquake. Also the community of Augustinian Recollects in Indonesia.
