After almost eight years as bishop in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Monsignor Norbert Turini left the diocese of Perpignan-Elne. He was appointed Archbishop of Montpellier. Originally from Nice, he arrived in Perpignan in 2014, after 10 years in Cahors. “For me, leaving is a wrench, because I learned to discover the Catalan people, an endearing people”.
“It’s a form of death” – Monsignor Norbert-Turini, future Archbishop of Montpellier
“I leave with a twinge in my heart, to leave this diocesan church in which I did my best. It’s a bit of a form of death”he confides, “but for another rebirth.” He recognizes it, changing functions is “a challenge, a challenge, at 68”. Especially since the archdiocese of Montpellier is almost three times the size of that of Perpignan.
“Some congratulate me, in the spirit of a promotion”confesses Monsignor Turini,“but I see it as a service. I was called, I answered this call. I said to myself, the Lord needs you. I even see it as a mark of trust”.
Highlights in eight years in the diocese of Perpignan
The former bishop remembers with emotions moments lived here, sometimes dramatic : “I’m thinking of the drama of Millas, of what happened recently in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque. We tried to be there for the families”.
There are also the visits he made to the Mustard and Macedonia association, which serves meals to the poorest. “I met people there that moved me. Young people, who are on the street. We welcome them with humanity, with our faith. It’s an image that I take with me, which moves me deeply”he admits, tears in his eyes.
The future archbishop will take office on October 23. Until then, Norbert Turini will hold a last farewell ceremony on September 18, in Perpignan. A temporary administrator will be appointed while waiting for the name of the next bishop of Perpignan.