An emotional and supportive celebration
Last Saturday, the church of Sant Pere de Pals was the scene of a very unique mass. Its rector, Reverend Josep Taberner, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his priestly ordination by the former Bishop of Girona, Jaume Camprodon. The religious ceremony was concelebrated with four other chaplains: Josep Casellas, Emili Galán, Josep Maria Fisa and Joan Güell. It had the participation of the Porta Ferrada Choir and the attendance of over a hundred friends and parishioners of Taber, the nickname by which it has been known for years.
A rector with a long career
Born in Celrà in 1947, Josep Taberner i Vilar is rector of Begur, Pals and Regencós. During his ministry he has worked in numerous parishes of the Diocese of Girona, including those of Figueres and Pont de Molins and has presided over the European Colloquium of Parishes. He was a missionary in Peru for four years. During his time in the Alt Empordà, he chaired the Fundació Sant Vicenç de Paül, managing the legacy of Maria Pagès which allowed him to invest in facilities and social projects, such as the Ksameu.
Three projects with solidarity funding
He also co-founded the NGO With Your Hands. It is precisely to this entity that the money collected during the celebration has been allocated and which, according to him, “will be used to carry out communal gardens for sixty-six families in Senegal, a maternity hospital in Gambia and send orthopedic equipment and food to Ukraine” . The friends have edited a book with notes dedicated to Taber and a selection of articles published in recent years in a local media.
A brotherhood lunch in Torroella de Montgrí
Bishop Taberner thanked all those present for their attendance and encouraged them to continue participating in activities to support the most disadvantaged. The compilation work was distributed during a brotherhood lunch that took place in a restaurant in Torroella de Montgrí. Father Taberner received the recognition and affection of all who know and respect him as a priest and as a person.
