Montserrat Begins Official Millennium Commemoration
On a Saturday evening, the Montserrat Abbey officially inaugurated the celebration of its thousand-year history with a significant civic event in the Basilica of Santa Maria, gathering 600 people. This event marks the beginning of an extensive program consisting of religious, cultural, and social activities that will continue until December 8, 2025.
The solemn and formal ceremony featured various elements including music, holograms, videomapping inside the basilica, and an external drone show accompanied by the Virolai chant.
Key Speeches
During the ceremony, the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, emphasized Montserrat's symbolic importance to the nation and the need for values such as dialogue and understanding in today's world. He also called for the support of the Benedictine community:
"Anyone who comes to improve Catalonia is Catalan, with the same rights and duties as our own. We cannot allow those who aim to exploit immigration to spread fear and intolerance," he said.
The Abbot of Montserrat, Manel Gasch, highlighted the dual focus of the celebration, reflecting on the past to understand "our origins, identity, and actions," while also looking ahead:
"This is not an endpoint but a new starting point. We inaugurate the second millennium of life full of hopes, challenges, and projects."
The event saw the attendance of former Catalan presidents Jordi Pujol, José Montilla, Artur Mas, and Pere Aragonès.
Fifteen Months of Activities
The commemoration, guided by the motto "Ora, lege, labora, rege te ipsum in communitate" (pray, read, work, guide yourself in community), will feature numerous activities over the next fifteen months. These activities aim to explore monastic life in the 20th century, promote interfaith dialogue, and position Montserrat as a "place of dialogue between believers and non-believers." The celebration will also highlight cultural importance, environmental reflection, and the promotion of solidarity with the less fortunate.
Historical Significance
Founded by Abbot Oliba, the Abbot of Ripoll and Bishop of Vic, and one of the major advocates of peace in the Middle Ages, Montserrat Abbey was established in 1025. However, there had been a small hermitage dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the mountain since around 880.
Conclusion
The millennium commemoration of Montserrat Abbey is not only a celebration of its history and cultural legacy but also a reflection on values such as peace, dialogue, and community. The extensive program over the next fifteen months will provide various transformative experiences and opportunities for reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of Montserrat's significant role in both historical and modern contexts. This celebration not only honors the past but also looks forward to inspiring the future.
- Filed Under:
- ReligionMontserrat Abbey
If you want to know other articles similar to Montserrat Abbey: A Thousand Years of History Begins Its Celebration you can visit the Daily News category.