La Diocese of Lugano The Bishop of Rome has announced a series of changes in parish communities for the upcoming pastoral year 2026-2027. The decisions were made after a consultation process involving the priests involved, the college of consultors, the episcopal delegates of the vicariates, and the parish communities.
The Apostolic Administrator, Alain de Raemy, defined the new assignments, also emphasizing the value of the work accomplished thus far in the various local contexts. The Curia expressed its gratitude for the daily commitment of the priests and pastoral workers active in the area.
Castagnola, Brè, and Gandria: New responsibilities for Father Kowalik
Among the main changes is the extension of the mandate of Father Adam Kowalik, parish administrator of Castagnola, who will also assume pastoral leadership of the parishes of Brè and Gandria. This decision follows the transfer of Father Eugenio Valli to pastoral service in the Diocese of Milan.
The change aims to ensure continuity and coordination among the communities of Lugano, strengthening collaboration between the parishes involved.
Brusino Arsizio, Capolago, and Riva San Vitale: Msgr. Barlassina's new assignment
Another change concerns Monsignor Ernesto Barlassina, currently parish priest of Bidogno, Sala Capriasca, and Tesserete, who now assumes administrative responsibility for the parishes of Brusino Arsizio, Capolago, and Riva San Vitale.
At the same time, Don Carlo Scorti will leave this position to become chaplain of the Paganini-Rè retirement home in Bellinzona, while continuing his service as spiritual director at the San Carlo Seminary.
New guide for Capriasca
Father Sergio Carettoni, former pastoral assistant to Bishop Barlassina, will be the new parish administrator of Bidogno, Sala Capriasca, and Tesserete. In addition to his new role, he will continue to serve as coordinator of the diocesan team for pastoral networks, synodality, and ministry formation.
His appointment is part of a process of organizational continuity and strengthening of the pastoral network in the Capriasca area.
Ca' Rezzonico and new training positions
At the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, Father Krystian Nowicki has been appointed chaplain of the Ca' Rezzonico facility in Lugano. This decision is part of a greater focus on pastoral care in local institutions.
In Massagno, Father Aurel Sokouda will work alongside Father Kamil Cielinski as a pastoral assistant, while also continuing his own doctoral studies. He is also expected to be ordained a priest in his native diocese of Kandi, Benin, in the presence of the Apostolic Administrator.
Extension of parishes in Malcantone
In Malcantone, Father Binoy Thomas, parish priest of Bedigliora, Curio, and Novaggio, will also assume leadership of the parishes of Astano and Miglieglia, thus expanding his pastoral scope.
At the same time, Father Anoop Abraham will become parish priest of Magliaso, while retaining his position as parish administrator of Sessa-Monteggio. He replaces Father Lukasz Janus, who retains responsibility for the Caslano parish.
Changes in Rivera, Bironico and Camignolo
Father Fabio Minini, currently parish priest of Rivera, Bironico, and Camignolo, will also assume the pastoral care of the parishes of Isone and Medeglia. This decision follows the temporary return of Father Wojcieck Kuziola to Poland for family reasons.
The new structure aims to ensure pastoral continuity in the affected communities.
Returns and new assignments in the Sottoceneri
This summer, Father Jakub Fejkiel, vicar of Stabio, will return to Poland after completing his studies at the request of the bishop of his home diocese. He will be replaced by Father Marek Drupka, who is studying canon law at the Faculty of Theology in Lugano.
Locarno: new distribution of responsibilities
In the Locarno Vicariate, Don Nicola Zanini, parish priest of Ascona, and Don Marco Notari, parish priest of Losone, will assume administrative responsibility for the parishes of Brissago and Ronco s/Ascona respectively.
The decisions follow the departure of Father Pascal Burri for the Diocese of Fribourg. Pastoral care will be shared within the "Madonna della Fontana" network, already active in the area.
