Since the Local Coordination of Valencia contacted the person responsible for Penitentiary Pastoral Care in September 2022, Prayer and Life Workshops have had a presence in the Picassent prison in Valencia.
There, a complicated challenge was posed, since they requested that the prisoners in module 23 be attended to, which is one of the most conflictive modules and with a high turnover.
Given the impossibility of holding a workshop on prayer and life, due to not having enough time and permanence of the workshop participants, it was decided to hold a few days of evangelization, working on silences, the material available from TOV and working on the modalities of prayer.
The greater the suffering and discouragement of people, the greater the depth of workshop spirituality and thus a small fraternity has been created made up of all those who thirst and need God, whether they are Catholics, Protestants, Muslims or even agnostics.
Last year there was year-round assistance from the penitentiary chaplain, who was impressed by the richness and spirituality of the PLW.
The face of Jesus becomes palpable in this place and although there is only very “little” that can be done, the light in his eyes, the hope in the soul and the love in his heart are clearly perceived.
Currently there are two guides from this Local Coordination of Valencia (it is advisable to do so in pairs) teaching these sessions continuously (except during the summer holidays) with special perseverance at Christmas, which is one of the most sensitive moments; and in principle continuously until they allow the incorporation of more guides and a greater number of prisoners can be served.
A new challenge, a challenge where the work of workshops and feeling the caress of God the Father is so needed.
We invite other Tov Coordinations to approach the “nobodies”, the last, to let them know that God loves them and that they are not alone.
