Laid to rest next to San Fermín

31/10/2011. As from the 2nd of November a columbarium will be set up in the chapel of San Lorenzo to keep the ashes of those who wish to be laid to rest beside San Fermín

All those who would like to be laid to rest beside San Fermín because of their strong devotion to this saint can now have their wish come true as from this 2nd of November. The parish church of San Lorenzo in Pamplona has set up two columbariums, or "pigeon hole" compartments, within the church and one of these is in the chapel of San Fermín beside the figure of the saint. This wall of small niches will hold the remains of all those who wish to spend their eternal rest near to the Saint.

There are a total of 98 pigeon hole boxes available to keep the funeral urns of bodies which have been cremated. The cost of renting one of these niches is a lump sum of 1.500 euro and an annual retribution of 30 euro. The columbarium has been set up at what used to be the old sacristy and which now has been opened to allow access to the chapel of San Fermín from San Francisco street. This doorway now has the columbarium located just inside the entrance and it is decorated with different Sanfermin motifs and must be crossed in order to reach the chapel area.

According to a statement from the parish priest of San Lorenzo, Santos Villanueva, this Thursday, after the celebration of the 19.30 evening mass, the new columbarium area will be officially blessed and inaugurated. Today, the area is undergoing its final touches and the floor is being polished in preparation for the official opening tomorrow.