Andorra Priest Denies Catalan Replacement by Spanish in Masses

The rector of Andorra la Vella's parish, Mossèn Ramon Sàrries, has dismissed claims that Catalan is being replaced by Spanish in local Masses, attributing the controversy to a misunderstanding of the parish's international services.

Catalan remains the official language of the parish and nearly all Masses, Sàrries emphasised. He described a specific Sunday Mass that includes psalm readings and hymns in languages such as Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Latin to reflect the diverse congregation. "It's not a 'Spanish-ified' Mass, but an international one adapted to our current reality," he said, noting a recent uptick in Spanish usage without diminishing Catalan overall.

All other services—on Saturdays, other Sundays, and weekdays—continue entirely in Catalan, he added. "It's incorrect to say Catalan has decreased. It remains the habitual and official language of all celebrations."

Mossèn Ramon de Canillo, who oversees the Santuari de Meritxell, echoed this approach, incorporating brief Spanish or French phrases to aid Latin American parishioners and visitors. Catalan stays the primary language of the Mass, he explained, but such inclusions help newcomers feel included and gradually learn the language. He highlighted singing as a key integration tool, especially during AINA summer camps, where participants repeat phrases to internalise Catalan.

Both priests stressed the Church's role as an open, welcoming space in Andorra's multicultural society. While many parishioners are Latin American, pastoral efforts ensure they progressively adopt Catalan through liturgy and community activities, without any retreat from its central place in worship.