Opening of the restaurant
On Sunday, June 16, the inauguration and blessing of the restoration of the altar of Our Lady of Montserrat in the cathedral of Lleida will take place. This celebration will include a Eucharist presided over by Bishop Salvador Giménez and concelebrated by the Montserrat monk, rector of the sanctuary and director of the Montserrat Brotherhood, Fr. Joan M. Mayol.
Restoration work
Restoration work on the altar was carried out throughout the month of May, by the artists José A. Ferrer and Lluís Capdevila. These artists continue to work to fully complete the task in the coming days.
History of the altar
The altar of Our Lady of Montserrat was inaugurated on September 28, 1955. After almost 70 years, the Confraternity of Montserrat decided to start its restoration to repair damage to the polychromy of the altar and remove dirt accumulated over the years. In addition, repairs have been made to the wood to remove corks that had been located in some parts.
Financing of the restoration
The restoration of the altar has been possible thanks to a fund-raising campaign between the brothers, devotees of La Moreneta, institutions and citizens. More than 22,000 euros have been raised to meet the restoration budget.
Satisfaction of restaurateurs
The restorers, José A. Ferrer and Lluís Capdevila, were satisfied with the result of the restoration. They found the chapel in better condition than it appeared and highlighted its original polychromy that had been hidden by the dirt accumulated over the years.
Details of the altar
The altar of Our Lady of Montserrat, in neoclassical style, is a work of the architect Lluís Domènech. It is carved from pine wood by the Lleida carver Ramon Borràs Vilaplana and gilded by the artisan Llucià Oliva. In addition, the vault houses the carving of the Virgin of Montserrat, the work of the sculptor Josep M. Camps i Arnau, and is decorated with modernist style panels by Vilaró i Valls, as well as wall paintings by Josep Obiols de in the year 1960.
