Thank you again, Barcelona Provincial Council

Comprehensive restoration of the Chapel of Santa Llúcia and surrounding areas. The Barcelona Provincial Council has contributed funding toward the rehabilitation works of the Chapel of Santa Llúcia in Manresa.

The Chapel of Santa Llúcia is a place of worship located in Plaça Sant Ignasi in Manresa. The current chapel is situated within the premises of the former Lower Hospital, also known as the Hospital of Santa Llúcia, of medieval origin, where Saint Ignatius of Loyola used to stay during his first months in Manresa. Since the mid-14th century, next to the hospital stood the Chapel of Santa Llúcia, which served as the private chapel of the guild of masons and stonecutters. It was here that Saint Ignatius began giving the first Spiritual Exercises. Testimonies gathered during the canonization processes of Saint Ignatius describe a highly significant event connected with the future saint’s stay in the hospital. One night, during a prayer session shared with other pilgrims and sick people, Saint Ignatius lost consciousness. He remained motionless in that space for eight days and eight nights. This event is popularly known as the “Rapture of Saint Ignatius.”

In 2025, the Cova Sant Ignasi Manresa Private Foundation applied for a grant from the Barcelona Provincial Council for the rehabilitation of the interior spaces and the renewal of part of the exterior elements. The project submitted to the Barcelona Provincial Council was approved and has been carried out over the past months. We would like to express our gratitude for the effort made by this institution, which highlights the importance of this unique chapel for the Society of Jesus in Manresa.