The Basílica de la Sagrada Familia has unveiled a collective sculpture created by 180 inmates from Catalan prisons, as part of a cultural and social initiative in collaboration with the Obra Mercedaria Foundation and the Department of Justice and Quality Democracy. The unveiling ceremony featured several prominent figures, including Ramon Espadaler, the regional minister for justice; Núria Ortín, director of the Obra Mercedaria Foundation; Marta Otzet, director of Culture and Socio-Educational Action at the Sagrada Familia; Esteve Camps, president of the Sagrada Familia Construction Board; and Xavier Martínez, general director of the institution. Approximately 40 inmates involved in the project, along with a group of prison professionals and representatives from collaborating entities, also attended the event.
Espadaler began his speech by acknowledging Cardinal Joan Josep Omella for his eleven years of service as the Archbishop of Barcelona and welcoming his successor, Fra Octavi Vilà, who will take over as president of the Sagrada Familia Patronage. Regarding the newly inaugurated sculpture, Espadaler connected the initiative to the message delivered by the Pope during his visit to the Brians 1 Penitentiary Centre. He stated, “On that day, he reminded us that people are not defined by the mistakes they have made, and that these mistakes do not permanently mark their biographies. All people, without exception, share the same dignity.”
He emphasised that the sculpture embodies the concept of shared dignity and second chances. Espadaler praised the collaboration between the Sagrada Familia, the Mercedarian foundations, and the entities involved in prison work: “This initiative aligns closely with the Pope's words and helps us remember a reality that is often overlooked or unknown. It is a reality that we sometimes do not want to see, but it is part of our society.” He believes the project plays a crucial role in bringing this reality closer to the public and reinforcing the commitment to reintegration.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of artistic workshops in Catalan prisons, which are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. “Art is a powerful tool for expressing emotions, regaining hope, and building future projects. For four decades, these workshops have demonstrated that culture is also a means of reintegration,” he asserted. He added, “Initiatives like this are important not only for the participants but also for society as a whole, as they remind us that behind every story is a person with the same dignity and the desire to build a better future.”
The initiative, which took place between February and March as part of the Year of Antoni Gaudí, allowed inmates from all Catalan prisons to visit the basilica and participate in creative workshops aimed at reflecting on their experiences. From these sessions, participants selected words that encapsulated their emotions, learnings, or reflections inspired by their visit. These words became the central elements of a collective sculpture in the form of a tower, inaugurated today in the Sagrada Familia's apse chapel. The installation also features an audiovisual presentation with testimonies from participants, giving voice to their personal experiences and the shared creative process.
This action is part of a series of participatory projects linked to the Momentum 3 programme of the Sagrada Familia, reaffirming the basilica's commitment to promoting initiatives that connect cultural heritage with diverse groups and foster social cohesion through artistic experience.
