Sagrada Família Church Organ Blessed After Two-Year Restoration

The organ at the church of the Sagrada Família Religious Institute residence in La Seu d'Urgell received a blessing on the evening of 2 January, marking the completion of a two-year restoration project.

Bishop of Urgell Josep-Lluís Serrano led the ceremony, joined by Bishop Emeritus Joan-Enric Vives, Superior General Laura Garione of the Sagrada Família Institute, members of the institute's general government, and numerous local faithful from the city and surrounding area.

Sisters from the institute emphasised the instrument's musical and architectural value, as well as its role in the city's social and cultural life. The rite included a reading from Colossians 3:12-17, a responsorial psalm, prayers, and musical accompaniment on the organ itself. Bishop Serrano concluded with a solemn prayer, followed by incensing and aspersion of the instrument.

Canon-organist Jordi Miquel then performed a concert featuring Jesús Guridi's offertory, *A la Verge de Valldeflors*, works by César Franck and Théodore Dubois, and the *Virolai*.

Organ builder Òscar Laguna oversaw the restoration, with support from Alejandro Turanzas, who also worked on the organ at Urgell's Santa Maria Cathedral. Conducted in 2024 and 2025, the project addressed severe motor deterioration, included full re-tuning, and improved the church's climate control to protect the instrument.

Built in 1960 by Organería Española S.A.-Alberdi, the organ features a straight-lined, austere case that complements the temple's modern style, with a façade of copper-tinted and lead pipes.