A Story with Deep Roots and Open Branches
Lux Mundi was born from a deep desire to welcome, unite and serve. Its story began in 1969, when Father Ramón E. Delius, a Jesuit priest and the first Diocesan Delegate for Ecumenism in Málaga, recognised the need for a space where different Christian Churches could celebrate their religious services and offer spiritual support to the growing international community settling on the Costa del Sol.
From this vision, the Ecumenical Centre Lux Mundi in Fuengirola was inaugurated in December 1973. Since then, Lux Mundi has become a vibrant community and a meeting place, promoting dialogue between denominations and cultures, and offering both spiritual guidance and practical support to residents and visitors alike.
With the support of the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, the centre has, from the very beginning, welcomed many Christian Churches now present in the province of Málaga. In 1994, a second centre was opened in Torre del Mar, extending its mission throughout the Axarquía region, in the same spirit of unity and service, inspired by the Jesuit motto: “To love, to pray together and to serve.”
After the death of Father Delius in 1999, his legacy was continued by fellow Jesuit Father Rodrigo Ruiz Serrano, who led the process through which, in 2003, Lux Mundi became a Diocesan Foundation, with the Diocese of Málaga and the Society of Jesus as its Trustees.
In 2014, the separation between the Diocesan Delegation for Ecumenism and the management of the Foundation was formalised. Gloria Uribe Cifuentes, connected with Lux Mundi since 1993, took on the role of Director, committed to strengthening this great ecumenical family — now made up of over 14 different Churches from several European countries, supported by a dedicated volunteer network offering help to those most in need.
