EUROPE/SPAIN - “Since the Pope was admitted to hospital a second time, prisoners themselves have been intensifying prayers for his recover ” prison chaplain in Valencia tells Fides

Valencia (Fides Service) - "With the prisoners we prayed for the Pope the first time he was admitted the Gemelli hospital in early February with symptoms of influenza. When they heard he had gone back to hospital a second time they spontaneously intensified prayers for him" Fr Juan Carlos Fortón Ledesma, one of four Chaplains in Picassent Penitentiary in Valencia, told Fides. Fr Forton Ledesma is also diocesan delegate for prison pastoral.
"The prison has 2,800 inmates - the chaplain told Fides. Several masses on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings in the different sections are well attended. We have volunteers from among the prisoners who prepare the liturgy. We never force people to come to mass we want them to come of their own accord. I always give them a report on what is happening in the world and ever since they heard that the Pope is in hospital they have been praying for his recovery, offering also spontaneous prayers during Mass. I must say they are sensitive to the troubles in the world. For example we started a collection for December seaquake victims in India in collaboration with Manos Unidas organisation and the prisoners gave with generosity each according to his or her situation.”
Special prayers for the Pope were also organised at the San Vicente Mártir University in Valencia attended by several hundred university students and at the chapel of the Faculty of Theology where students and teachers come and go all day. Two Masses are celebrated every day in both of these university chapels. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 4/3/2005; righe 19; parole 272)