Diocese of Urgell Honors Late Organist Father Josep Comes at Christmas Gathering

The Diocese of Urgell has paid tribute to Father Josep Comes, a renowned organist at the Seu d'Urgell Cathedral who trained generations of seminarians in music and chant, during its annual Christmas gathering at the Bishop's House.

Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano opened the event with words of welcome, thanking attendees from the diocesan curia, cathedral chapter, the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, Caritas Andorra and the Urgell Diocese, the Cathedral-Museum, and others. He described Comes as "a man of the land" joining others previously honoured at these festivities. Serrano extended Christmas greetings to curia members, laypeople, and consecrated life representatives, echoing the Holy Father's recent message. He urged participants to embrace the light of Christmas, which reveals everyone's vocation in building a Church of communion, and invited them to the Jubilee Year's closing on December 28 under the theme of Christian hope.

The general secretary then reviewed 2025, highlighting milestones for the universal Church and the diocese: the death of a pope, the election of Leo XIV as successor, and the renewal of the Bishop of Urgell.

Father Benigne Marquès, dean of the cathedral chapter and a former pupil of Comes, delivered a detailed eulogy. He portrayed Comes as a kind, cheerful, deeply pious man—always helpful, dutiful, simple, and humble. Born in Castellciutat in 1901, Comes died in 1960 after a swift illness. His musical talent emerged early, shaping his pastoral work. He served at the Sanctuary of Núria, composing the *Ave de Núria*, and as cathedral organist, while forming seminarian choirs and founding the cathedral's choir school.

Emeritus Bishop Joan-Enric Vives attended, along with general vicars, the general secretary, and Comes's family, including nephews and grandnephews. Father Josep M. Mauri, representing the curia, offered Christmas greetings.

Father Albert Vives was among those trained by Comes.