The jury particularly highlighted his contribution to understanding between different religious traditions and to building a more cohesive and inclusive society. The award ceremony, held at the Palau Reial de Pedralbes in Barcelona, was attended by the Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality, Ramon Espadaler, and the Director General of Religious Affairs, Ramon Bassas, as well as representatives from various religious confessions, civil society, and institutions.
During his speech, Minister Espadaler emphasized that "Antoni Matabosch represents a lived humanism, where thought and action always go together. A career of commitment to Catalonia, its culture, and its institutions, which demonstrates that values only make full sense when translated into actions and contribute to building a more just, free, and cohesive society." He also stated that "in an increasingly diverse society, dialogue between religions is essential to strengthen coexistence and recognize what unites us: the dignity and equality of all people. Antoni Matabosch is a benchmark, with a career that reminds us that dialogue is not just an attitude, but an active commitment to human rights, religious freedom, and a society where everyone can live in freedom and respect."
The Memorial jury, composed of the Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality, Ramon Espadaler; the Director General of Religious Affairs, Ramon Bassas; the President of the Advisory Council for Religious Diversity, Francesc Torralba; anthropologist Lola López, and evangelical pastor Marta López, agreed to grant the award to Antoni Matabosch, a founding member of the Permanent Working Group on Religions (GTER).
In its deliberation, the jury particularly valued his contribution to the defense of religious freedom and thought, his involvement in promoting coexistence among people of different religions and cultures, and his defense of the Catalan language. The jury also considered that his career exemplifies the values promoted by the Cassià Maria Just Memorial.
Antoni Matabosch is a prominent figure in promoting ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in Catalonia. As a founding member of GTER, he has for decades promoted initiatives to foster mutual understanding, cooperation between religious communities, and the construction of a more inclusive society.
This year's edition coincides with the commemoration of the centenary of the birth of Abbot of Montserrat Cassià Maria Just, a key figure for his spirituality, his open attitude to dialogue, and his commitment to human rights, culture, and the Catalan language. The Memorial bearing his name annually recognizes individuals, entities, or institutions that stand out for their contribution to religious freedom, coexistence, and dialogue among different confessions.
The work presented in this edition is Llindars, created by SP25 Arquitectura, authored by David Oliva and Elisenda Planas. The piece is part of the exhibition Instruments de l’ànima at the Episcopal Museum of Vic. The ceremony also featured a performance by the Cor Montserrat, which interpreted a selection of pieces linked to the musical legacy of Cassià Maria Just.
