Canillo honours mossèn Ramon Rossell for 60 years of service

Canillo honoured mossèn Ramon Rossell on 18 October with a ceremony at the church of Sant Serni, recognising sixty years of service to the parish and his contribution to Andorran social and educational life.

The Episcopal Co-Prince, Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, attended alongside Canillo's two consuls, Jordi Alcobé and Marc Casal, and other authorities. Alcobé highlighted Rossell's bond with successive generations of Canillo residents and his involvement in the community since his arrival in the parish in 1966. "Mossèn Ramon forms part of the living history of Canillo," he said, underlining the priest's role in passing on values such as solidarity, coexistence and respect for nature.

During the event, a documentary on Rossell's career, produced by Highandorra on commission from the Canillo comú, premiered. Robert Lizarte then moderated a round table with Jordi Jordana, Meritxell Palmitjavila, Pol Martos, Nadal Remolins, Rossell himself and Alcobé. The conversation revisited memories and anecdotes from different periods of his life, with contributions from members of the audience as well.

Born in Bellcaire d'Urgell in 1939, Rossell studied at the Seminari de la Seu d'Urgell before beginning his priestly career. His arrival in Canillo marked the start of a close relationship with the parish. Among his most notable undertakings was the creation of AINA, the children's holiday-camp project he launched in 1979, which became a benchmark for educational leisure in Andorra and through which generations of children and young people have passed.

The tribute also recalled his book Carta d'un capellà jubilat als seus amics, published in 2025, in which he reviews his personal and priestly life and reflects on faith, friendship and service to others. The day closed with closing remarks and a shared snack with attendees.

The ceremony coincided with Canillo's Fira del Bestiar i l'Artesania, which brought together 20 livestock houses and 52 craft and local-produce vendors in a day devoted to the parish's traditions. Livestock were gathered at the former Càmping Pla, while the forecast of bad weather forced stalls to be moved to the marquee in the Sella car park. Cònsol major Jordi Alcobé defended the fair's continuity as an essential fixture in the parish calendar and a way of passing on livestock-farming tradition to new generations. Participating houses received gifts in recognition of their work preserving the sector.

The programme also included free entry to the Museu de la Moto and the Espai Galobardes, as well as the presentation of Rossell's book at Sant Serni. The celebrations coincided with the start of the Quinzena de la Cuina Canillenca, which runs until 8 November with 17 participating establishments. Councillor Àlex Kinchella highlighted the promotion of local products.