Co-Prince Bishop Blesses Restored Sagrada Família Organ in La Seu d'Urgell

The co-prince bishop of Urgell, Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, blessed the fully restored organ at the Sagrada Família church in La Seu d'Urgell on Thursday evening, marking the end of a two-year restoration project.

The liturgical ceremony took place at 6.30pm in the church, part of the Sagrada Família Residence complex run by the Institut Religiós de la Sagrada Família. It drew attendees including the emeritus bishop Joan-Enric Vives, Superiora General M. Laura Garione, sisters from the Govern General, and numerous faithful from the city and surrounding area. Serrano Pentinat led the rite, featuring a reading from Colossians 3:12-17, a responsorial psalm, prayers, and solemn oration, with the organ providing musical accompaniment. The blessing concluded with incense and aspersion of the instrument.

The event continued with a public recital by canon-organist Jordi Miquel of Urgell Cathedral's Santa Maria. His programme included Jesús Guridi's offertory, *A la Verge de Valldeflors*, works by César Franck and Théodore Dubois, and the *Virolai*. Sisters from the institute emphasised the organ's musical, architectural, and cultural significance to local life.

Restoration occurred over 2024 and 2025, led by organ builder Òscar Laguna with support from Alejandro Turanzas, who also handled work on the Santa Maria Cathedral organ. Efforts addressed a deteriorated motor, retuned the instrument, and upgraded the church's climate control for long-term preservation. Built in 1960 by Organería Española SA–Alberdi as a gift for a commemorative event—after the 1958 foundation stone and 1959 altar consecration—the organ features a modern straight-lined case with copper-tinted, vertical facade pipes that complement the church's style.

The project preserves this heritage piece while boosting its liturgical, cultural, and community use. Plans call for concerts, guided sessions, and educational activities to engage residents and visitors.