La Diocese of Lugano The reorganization of its parish communities continues in preparation for the 2026-2027 pastoral year. After meetings with the priests involved, the college of consultants, the episcopal delegates of the vicariates, and the communities involved, the Apostolic Administrator Msgr. Alain de Raemy has arranged a new series of appointments and transfers affecting numerous localities in the Canton.
The measure, announced by the Episcopal Curia yesterday, August 19, concerns parishes spread across the Sottoceneri and Sopraceneri regions . The changes involve the Lugano, Mendrisiotto, Bellinzona, Leventina, and Gambarogno areas and, in some cases, entail a broader reorganization of pastoral responsibilities.
In announcing the new decisions, the Diocese also thanked the priests and the many people involved in the parishes for the work they carry out daily in the various communities.
Monte Carasso, Carasso and Gorduno entrusted to two religious men
One of the changes concerns the parishes of Monte Carasso, Carasso, and Gorduno. Responsibility for the three communities will be entrusted to Father Matteo Sojan Olickal and Father Paolo Abhishek Joshy, members of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.
Father Matteo Sojan Olickal is currently parish administrator of Vernate, Iseo-Cimo, and Neggio. The two priests will replace Father Michel Straziuso and Father Adamo Polizzi.
Bishop Alain de Raemy has assigned the latter a new role: they will be parish administrators of the communities of Bioggio, Bosco-Luganese, Neggio, Iseo-Cimo, and Vernate. The new organization also provides that the administration of the parishes of Neggio, Vernate, and Iseo-Cimo will be ensured by the priests residing in Bioggio.
From Bioggio to Chiasso, Don Juan Carlos Tejeda's new assignment
Another important step concerns Father Juan Carlos Tejeda, until now parish priest of Bioggio. The priest has been appointed parish administrator of the communities of Chiasso and Pedrinate.
The decision takes on particular significance for the two communities, called upon to conclude a long pastoral period. Bishop Alain de Raemy explained that he made the decision after thorough reflection, believing it appropriate to initiate a phase of change and renewal through the arrival of new priests.
The transition occurs after 25 years of sharing life with the priests who served the communities of Chiasso and Pedrinate. The Diocese therefore acknowledges the possible sadness associated with their departure. The Apostolic Administrator has sent a letter to both parishes explaining in more detail the reasons behind the decision.
Sementina and Gudo, Don Elizalde Demdam arrives
In the Bellinzona area, Don Elizalde Demdam will leave the parishes of Airolo and Villa Bedretto to take up the post of parish administrator of Sementina and Gudo.
The priest will succeed Father Onorio Fornoni, who will continue his pastoral ministry in the parishes of Alto Vedeggio. In this role, he will collaborate with Father Fabio Minini, former parish administrator of the communities of Rivera, Bironico, Camignolo, Isone, and Medeglia.
The rotation is part of a broader redefinition of responsibilities among the various territorial entities and leads to a new distribution of the priestly forces active in the Canton.
Bellinzona, Don Luca Mancuso succeeds Don Nazario Blandamura
In Bellinzona, the change is linked to the departure of Father Nazario Blandamura for the mission of the Neocatechumenal Way. In his place, Bishop Alain de Raemy has appointed Father Luca Mancuso.
The latter will work in collaboration with the parish priest Don Maurizio Silini, with the aim of ensuring continuity of the pastoral activities of the various city communities.
Father Michele Cerutti will also contribute to pastoral collaboration in the Bellinzona area. While maintaining his role as chaplain at San Giovanni Hospital, he will be available to Father Maurizio Silini as a collaborating priest for the region's communities.
Airolo and Villa Bedretto, a new organization in the valley
The parishes of Airolo and Villa Bedretto will be entrusted to the care of priests already present in the area. After a long and thoughtful consideration, the Apostolic Administrator has decided to particularly emphasize the presence of the Capuchin friars of Faido and the diocesan priests residing in the area.
The role of parish administrator for the two communities will be assumed by Friar Edy Rossi-Pedruzzi, parish priest of Faido. He will be supported in his work by Friar Boris Muther, Father Davide Bergamasco, and Father Marco Castelli.
The decision therefore aims to organize pastoral service by leveraging the resources already operational in Leventina and the surrounding area.
The Gambarogno entrusted to the Michaelite priests
A further change affects the Gambarogno pastoral network, along with the communities of Cadenazzo and Robasacco. The new organization was decided following the permanent departure of Father Lukasz Rogowski, scheduled for the end of August.
Bishop Alain de Raemy has chosen to entrust the various parishes to the three priests of the Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel, the Michaelites, already active in the area.
Father Bogdan Kalisztan will be parish administrator of the communities of Magadino and Indemini. Father Arturo Paczkowski will be entrusted with Cadenazzo, Contone, and Robasacco.
Father Stanislaw Kilar will instead assume responsibility for the parishes of Caviano, Gerra Gambarogno, Piazzogna, Sant'Abbondio, San Nazzaro and Vira Gambarogno.
A new structure for the pastoral year 2026-2027
The new appointments complete a further step in the reorganization process of the Diocese of Lugano , called upon to ensure pastoral presence in the various Ticino communities also through a different distribution of roles and closer collaboration between priests, religious and parish networks.
In some cases, these are simple changes; in others, they involve a broader review of the territorial organization. The decisions will be implemented in the new pastoral year and will accompany communities that, especially those with decades-long relationships, will have to face the transition to new leaders.
For the Diocese, the reorganization also represents a moment of continuity in pastoral service, supported not only by the priests in charge, but by all the people who work daily in the Canton's parishes.
