Mallorca Cathedral is carrying out a study on the illustrious figures buried in its precincts. The starting point of this research focuses on the figure of Fray Julià Font i Roig (1545-1613), an illustrious son of Palma and known as “the father of the poor”. Initially, Fray Julià was buried in the convent of Santo Domingo, but due to the disentailment process, a request was made to transfer his remains to the Cathedral. In 1690, when the sepulchre was opened, the incorruptibility of the body was recognised, although the process of canonisation was halted, and he was named Venerable.

Currently, the Heritage Department and the Chapter Archive of Mallorca Cathedral are investigating this personage. The intention of this study is, among other aspects, to analyse the process of beatification of the friar at present, to find out the details of his posthumous transfer to La Seu, to analyse the tradition of burials of illustrious figures in the Cathedral and to identify those who are buried in the temple.

Another object of study will be the neo-Gothic tomb in the Chapel of the Descent from the Cross, where the friar is currently buried. This piece was designed by the painter Faust Morell i Bellet and executed by Marc Llinàs in Santanyí stone.

When the convent of Santo Domingo was demolished, the descendants of Fray Julià Font i Roig requested the transfer of his remains to the Cathedral. Initially, they were deposited in the little chapel of Santa Eulalieta, inside the Royal Chapel. However, at the request of the family, the remains were moved to the chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Corona. During the construction of the sepulchre, a relevant architectural portal was discovered, worthy of preservation, so the Venerable was finally transferred to the chapel of the Descent from the Cross.

Beatification process

Julia Font i Roig

The Town Council of Maria de la Salut has requested, on the occasion of the declaration in the town of the “Any Font i Roig”, that the process of beatification of the friar, currently in force, be investigated. Hence the Cathedral’s interest in gathering as much information as possible about this and other illustrious figures buried in the temple.

The research will culminate on 28 September at 18:30, with a round table discussion on Fray Julià Font i Roig. The meeting will feature the participation of several experts who will address different aspects of the life and legacy of the friar, including the history of the transfer of the remains and the Neo-Gothic tomb to the Chapel of the Descent from the Cross, the state of conservation of the tomb, the process of beatification of Fray Julià and the funerary world in the Cathedral of Mallorca.