On the occasion of the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death, Reus and Riudoms have embraced the commemoration of the architect with cross-cutting events. This collective celebration has involved public bodies, local entities, and individuals aiming to champion Gaudí's legacy.

Among the various initiatives, the work of jeweler and artisan Joan Serramià, a distant descendant of Gaudí, stands out. Serramià has developed two main projects: a bronze sculpture of Gaudí and a crosier for Pope Francis. The first piece, standing 1.90 meters tall, will be placed at the foot of the Prioral de Reus, while the crosier aims to be a Gaudí-esque symbol with international reach.

The bronze sculpture, depicting Gaudí full-length and reflecting his devotion to the Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia, will rest on a twelve-ton stone base sourced from the same German quarry Gaudí used for the Sagrada Família. The artwork will be officially unveiled on June 9th in Carrer del Fossar Vell.

The second project, the papal crosier, has been conceived as a 'miniature Sagrada Família'. Its base features turtles, referencing the Nativity portal of the Barcelona building. The central section incorporates five woods from the five continents, symbolizing Gaudí's universality, and is crowned with the three-dimensional cross designed by the architect.

Serramià is working against the clock to complete the crosier by June 5th. The artisan emphasized that the projects are non-profit, covering only material costs, and have received contributions from various individuals and entities.