Andorra Bishop Announces Parish Reorganization with Key Priest Shifts

The Bishop of Urgell and Andorran Co-Prince, Josep-Lluís Serrano, has announced a major pastoral reorganization across the diocese, with significant changes in Andorran parishes effective from 1 September.

Key moves include Josep "Pepe" Chisvert stepping down as rector of Sant Julià de Lòria and Os de Civís after 15 years. He will take responsibility for the parish of Sant Ot in La Seu d'Urgell, along with multiple communities in the first circumscription covering the archpriestries of Núria-Cerdanya, Alt Urgell, and Andorra's valleys. Chisvert will also join the new Episcopal Council as representative for this area, alongside Vicar General Antoni Elvira and others from different regions.

Replacing him in Sant Julià is Juan Pablo Esteban, a Colombian priest born in 1973 who served as rector in Sort since 2013. Esteban will also oversee Santa Coloma in Andorra la Vella, easing the workload for Archpriest Ramon Sàrries and others in Andorra la Vella.

In Escaldes-Engordany, Antoni Elvira leaves his role as rector of Sant Pere Màrtir—after prior service in Encamp—to become vicar general and moderator of the curia, coordinating diocesan governance and pastoral activities. David Codina, previously the diocese's secretary general and chancellor, will succeed him as rector of Sant Pere Màrtir while retaining his role as diocesan economist.

Anna Maria Villas, former director of Col·legi Janer and Sant Ermengol and current voluntary president of Càritas Andorra, assumes the positions of general secretary and chancellor. Chisvert is expected to maintain his links to Càritas Andorra and initiatives like Canòlich Music, subject to his new duties.

The changes, made public on Thursday during the feast of Sant Just d'Urgell, aim to adapt the church structure to current territorial needs, demographic shifts, and improved parish coordination. Chisvert addressed parishioners during Thursday's Mass in Sant Julià, urging prayers for the appointments to be embraced with a spirit of service, availability, and fidelity to mission. He emphasized that all share a baptismal call to serve, love, and build community, noting that "beyond physical presence, what endures is the heart."

Reactions in Sant Julià have included unrest among some faithful, though Chisvert sought to ease tensions. He will lead his final Canòlich celebration there on Saturday.