Monastery of Saint Elizabeth Wins Long‑Running Court Case

Where the Monastery Is

The Monastery of Saint Elizabeth, also called the Convent of Sant Jeroni, sits behind high walls on the eastern side of Palma’s old town, right on the ancient Moorish city wall. It is home only to nuns, known as the Jeronymites, and is famous for its lovely garden.

Who Lives There

The Jeronymites are Roman Catholic nuns who live in seclusion, following a strict rule based on the teachings of St. Augustine and the ascetic writings of St. Jerome. Their order dates back to the 14th century.

A Piece of History

The nuns have peacefully owned, expanded, maintained, and managed the monastery since 1485. Over the centuries they have cared for the building and its grounds without outside interference.

The Legal Dispute Begins

In November 2014 the Diocese of Mallorca filed an administrative complaint claiming certain property rights over the monastery. The diocese based its claim on certificates issued during Bishop Javier Salinas Viñals’s term (2012‑2016). The nuns always contested the validity of those certificates.

Years of Court Battles

The case moved through three judicial levels:

• Court of First Instance in Palma
• Provincial Court on appeal
• Supreme Court of Spain

The conflict lasted more than twelve years, creating stress and uncertainty for the religious community.

Supreme Court’s Decision

On June 3, the First Chamber of Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that the diocese’s cassation appeal was inadmissible. In plain terms, the highest court said:

• The Jeronymites are the rightful owners of the Monastery of Saint Elizabeth.
• The property registrations that relied on the contested certificates must be deleted.
• The diocese must pay all legal costs from every court instance.

The decision was announced to Sister Ángeles Sanz Rodríguez (known as “Sister Natividad”), who serves as president of the Federation of Hieronymite Monasteries of Santa Paula and as prioress appointed by the Holy See.

What This Means for the Nuns

The verdict ends a long period of suffering for the community. It finally recognizes their historical and property rights to the monastery, letting them continue their peaceful life without the threat of losing their home. No further appeal is possible, so the ruling is legally binding.

Conclusion

After more than a decade of legal wrangling, Spain’s Supreme Court has affirmed that the Jeronymite nuns truly own the Monastery of Saint Elizabeth. The decision clears the property record, forces the diocese to cover the court expenses, and allows the nuns to live on in peace and seclusion, just as they have for over five hundred years.

For more details, see the original report: Source

Images Credit: www.mallorcamagazin.com