Once again this year, the Poveda Cultural Association of Linares welcomed a group of people who are currently in prison in Jaen.
When Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in one of the largest prisons in Rome, he was very aware of what he was doing. According to the Vatican, the opening of the Holy Door in Rebibbia prison marks the first time a pope has opened a holy door in a prison since Boniface VIII began the tradition of jubilee years in 1300.
Pope Francis has given special attention to prisoners during his 11 years of papacy. He speaks about ‘peripheries’, and being incarcerated is one way of being on the peripheries of society.
That is why, for more than five years now, the Poveda Cultural Association of Linares has been welcoming a group of boys and girls from this Jaen prison every spring with a heart full of empathy for the situation of these brothers and sisters of ours.
A warm welcome
On Sunday 23 February, at 9.30 a.m., a minibus arrived at Paseo de Linarejos from Jaen Prison Number Two with nine boys and one girl accompanied by officials. These were the chaplain and volunteers from the prison. There was a warm welcome with churros and chocolate together. This provided an opportunity for us all to get to know each other and introduce ourselves.
After breakfast, accompanied by friends from the Linares TA, we visited the mines which are a heritage we have here. Among almond trees in blossom, the ruins of many mines, once full of life, emerge from the bushes and fig trees as a sign of a time gone by.
Lunch followed at the TA headquarters in Calle Pontón. It was time to relax and continue discussing the experiences shared during the morning. The hosts served these young people and those who accompanied them. There was an exquisite paella and a delicious dessert that gave rise to much appreciation and laughter.
Sharing
After lunch, we shared together as a group. Each person spoke, and then Gregorio Raya and Carmen Mora presented the Teresian Association and the meaning of the open house that welcomed the group on that Sunday.
The inmates of the prison and the chaplain described what it means for them to leave their enclosure of bars and concrete for a day and have the opportunity to glimpse the passage of spring, something that they cannot see from behind the walls.
One of the boys who had just left and was entering Proyecto Hombre the following day to continue with therapy for his addictions gave an emotional testimony. Everyone supported his decision, feeling that they were companions on the road of so many struggles, efforts and setbacks.
TA Linares.
Published in News