Hundreds Bid Emotional Farewell to Priest Mossèn Pepe Chisvert at Andorra Festival Mass

Hundreds of parishioners filled the Sant Julià de Lòria sanctuary on Saturday for the annual Canòlich festival mass, which served as an emotional send-off for mossèn Pepe Chisvert after 15 years leading the Sant Julià de Lòria and Os de Civís parishes.

Crowds arrived from early morning, packing parking areas and spilling onto the esplanade amid a charged atmosphere following the recent diocesan reshuffle announced by Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat. The changes, publicised on 28 May to coincide with the feast of Sant Just, take effect on 1 September 2026 and include Chisvert's move to rector of Sant Ot parish in Seu d’Urgell—formally the cathedral of Santa Maria—plus an extensive list of Alt Urgell communities such as Sant Martí d’Ansovell, Sant Esteve d’Alàs and others. He will also join the new Episcopal Council as representative for the first circumscription, covering Núria-Cerdanya, Alt Urgell and Andorra's valleys, to strengthen pastoral coordination.

In his homily, Chisvert acknowledged the difficulty of the shift, noting some parishioners might feel sadness or confusion. He stressed his ongoing ties to Andorra, including roles with Càritas Andorra, education efforts and the Canòlich Music festival, now scheduled for 19 November at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família basilica. “Sant Julià does not disappear from my heart; Laurèdia will remain my home,” he told the congregation, urging a warm welcome for successor Joan Pau Esteban i Osma, the Colombia-born priest from Sort known for his guitar playing, who will also oversee Santa Coloma in Andorra la Vella.

Chisvert, who learned of the transfer two months earlier, reported receiving 600 WhatsApp messages on announcement day, 200 more on Friday and 60 by Saturday morning. He downplayed rumours of signature campaigns against the move. The homily closed with his customary “Si volem, podem!”, prompting applause and tears, including from Chisvert at the altar. During Communion, many sought him out specifically, prolonging the rite with hugs.

Sant Julià de Lòria cònsol major Cerni Cairat described the gathering as a “special aplec”, the second year running overshadowed by major church shifts after Serrano Pentinat’s own 2025 appointment as bishop. He voiced personal regret over Chisvert’s departure but praised his community work and institutional partnerships, highlighting his continued links to events like Canòlich Music. Favourable weather aided distribution of 5,800 blessed loaves—500 more than last year, with 300 gluten-free—plus sardanes by cobla Ciutat de Manresa, term blessings and Esbart Laurèdia’s Ball de Canòlich.

The wider reorganisation promotes Antoni Elvira to vicar general and Cúria moderator from his prior role at Escaldes-Engordany’s Sant Pere Màrtir parish, where David Codina Pérez—previously secretari general and canceller—takes over while retaining diocesan economist duties. Anna Maria Villas, Càritas Andorra president, assumes secretariat and chancellery roles. Attendees included Cap de Govern Xavier Espot, ministers and officials, reflecting the event’s prominence amid local discussion of the reshuffle.