Penitentiary Pastoral of the Diocese of Córdoba assists more than 370 inmates in 2024
Cordoba – The Penitentiary Pastoral of the Diocese of Córdoba attended more than 370 internal of the Alcolea Penitentiary Center during 2024, according to the annual report presented this Tuesday. A team of 33 volunteers and three chaplains has led this work of accompaniment, training and assistance, investing close to 22,000 euros annually in various activities.
This secretariat, created in 2007, works both in the 17 modules from prison and in the Social Integration Center (CIS). Their work has been carried out for almost 60 years, having begun in the old prison of Fátima.
Religious and reintegration activities
The main activities of the Pastoral focus on the Catholic Chaplaincy, offering catechesis, meetings for spiritual accompaniment and celebrations of the Eucharist and penance. Every week, more than 120 inmates They participate in these masses, which are part of a broader effort for social reintegration.
In addition to the celebrations, special activities are organized such as the Camino de Santiago, which this year will be visited by six inmates along with officials and volunteers. Chaplain Sergio García highlighted that these initiatives "help heal wounds and promote reintegration."
Religious celebrations intensify on key dates such as Christmas, Lent, Advent and the month of Virgin of Mercy. Holy Week and Mercy proclamations have also been held inside the prison, and extraordinary visits have been made to religious images such as the Young People's Cross and the Rescued Nazareno Jesus.
Training and help programs for inmates
To support the training of inmates, the Penitentiary Pastoral offers a variety of workshops and courses, including:
- Music and choir workshops.
- History and Art Course of Córdoba, with visits to monuments.
- Theater and dramatized reading workshop.
- Training in values, resilience and first aid.
- Futsal Tournament Virgen de la Merced Trophy.
- Gender violence prevention courses.
The Pastoral also teaches biblical and cultural programs, and provides financial aid to inmates without resources to cover their basic needs.
