Meet Nuns Happily Serving Beer and Preaching the Word of God

A unique chapter has begun at an 11th-century Romanesque sanctuary in northern Spain.

A group of 18 Catholic nuns, primarily from Colombia and belonging to the Pilgrims of the Eucharist order, have assumed responsibility for the on-site bar, adding an unexpected element to their duties of caring for the sanctuary and its pilgrims. Sister Guadalupe, a Miami native leading the nuns’ efforts, acknowledges the unconventional nature of this arrangement. However, she emphasizes that the bar serves a greater purpose beyond mere beer service.

She views it as an opportunity to spread the message of faith and connect with visitors on a personal level, highlighting that responsible alcohol consumption is not inherently sinful. This shift in management follows the departure of a group of Benedictine monks who previously oversaw the sanctuary. Due to declining membership and an ageing population, the monks vacated the premises in September 2022. The arrival of the nuns signifies a renewed commitment to the sanctuary’s upkeep and the well-being of pilgrims. The bar itself has undergone a transformation.

Previously known as “Pater,” it has been renamed “Amaren Etxea,” which translates to “House of the Mother” in Basque, one of Europe’s oldest languages. This new name reflects the nuns’ desire to foster a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere. The unique blend of religious devotion and hospitality has already garnered positive reactions. During Holy Week, a particularly busy period for the sanctuary, the nuns don their traditional grey-and-white attire alongside bartender aprons, serving patrons with a smile.

Visitors, like Maria Elena Saez who anticipates becoming a regular, have expressed admiration for the nuns’ dedication and their ability to radiate peace and joy through their service.A unique chapter has begun at an 11th-century Romanesque sanctuary in northern Spain.

A group of 18 Catholic nuns, primarily from Colombia and belonging to the Pilgrims of the Eucharist order, have assumed responsibility for the on-site bar, adding an unexpected element to their duties of caring for the sanctuary and its pilgrims. Sister Guadalupe, a Miami native leading the nuns’ efforts, acknowledges the unconventional nature of this arrangement. However, she emphasizes that the bar serves a greater purpose beyond mere beer service.

She views it as an opportunity to spread the message of faith and connect with visitors on a personal level, highlighting that responsible alcohol consumption is not inherently sinful. This shift in management follows the departure of a group of Benedictine monks who previously oversaw the sanctuary. Due to declining membership and an ageing population, the monks vacated the premises in September 2022. The arrival of the nuns signifies a renewed commitment to the sanctuary’s upkeep and the well-being of pilgrims. The bar itself has undergone a transformation.

Previously known as “Pater,” it has been renamed “Amaren Etxea,” which translates to “House of the Mother” in Basque, one of Europe’s oldest languages. This new name reflects the nuns’ desire to foster a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere. The unique blend of religious devotion and hospitality has already garnered positive reactions. During Holy Week, a particularly busy period for the sanctuary, the nuns don their traditional grey-and-white attire alongside bartender aprons, serving patrons with a smile.

Visitors, like Maria Elena Saez who anticipates becoming a regular, have expressed admiration for the nuns’ dedication and their ability to radiate peace and joy through their service.