Romanian Orthodox clergy and faithful in Italy visited inmates at two Italian prisons on Bright Tuesday, causing tears to flow for several detainees.
The Romanian Orthodox parishes of Fonte Nuova, Monterotondo, Roma 3, and Marcellina in Italy’s Lazio region visited the Rebibbia Nuovo Complesso penitentiary in Rome.
Visit to Rome’s largest prison
The visit required complex official procedures and a great deal of patience. The clergy were finally allowed to celebrate the Agape Vespers of the Resurrection, known in the Orthodox tradition as the “Second Pascha.”
The mission was coordinated by Father Bogdan Petre, alongside Fathers Andrei Radu Sfredel, Ioan Gherasimescu and Lucian Vasilache.
Support needed to continue the mission
The moment was filled with deep emotion. The inmates repeatedly sang “Christ is risen!” and those who had prepared through the Sacrament of Confession received Holy Communion, while everyone else received the Paschal bread.
Everyone also received gifts carefully prepared by the faithful of the Fonte Nuova parish — a gesture met with joy and gratitude.
To continue supporting the inmates, volunteers and financial assistance are needed on a weekly basis. The organisers are appealing to parishes in Rome and the Lazio region, as well as to all people of goodwill, to join in this work of Christian love through practical solidarity.
Prayer and gifts at Rieti
At Rieti Prison, a similar initiative occurred, with Orthodox inmates—Romanian, Moldovan, and others—participating in the Paschal Canon held in the prison chapel.
Father Constantin Holban of the Parish of St. Joseph the New of Partoș in Rieti addressed them on forgiveness, hope, and the transformative power of the Resurrection over the human heart.
The Romanian parish priest in Rieti was accompanied by Father Walter Gabriel Andriuța from the Parish of the Holy Martyr Hermes in Passo Corese, together with two volunteers.
Following the service, the volunteers distributed parcels containing traditional Easter foods, including cozonac (sweet bread), red eggs, pască (Easter cheese bread), drob (lamb haggis), and other gifts provided by community members. This modest yet profoundly meaningful gesture elicited emotional reactions from many of the inmates.
Pastoral visits to prisons took place in Turin and at the Regina Coeli Penitentiary in Rome.
Photo: Diocese of Italy
