The artistic piece, driven by the Sagrada Familia in collaboration with the Fundació Obra Mercedària and the Departament de Justícia i Qualitat Democràtica, symbolizes inclusion, personal reflection, and second chances. The sculpture was created from words chosen by the participants, reflecting their experiences and learnings.
The presentation event was attended by the Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality, Ramon Espadaler, who highlighted the value of culture and art as tools for transformation. Also present were the director of the Fundació Obra Mercedària, Núria Ortín; the director of Culture and Socio-educational Action of the Sagrada Familia, Marta Otzet; the delegate president of the Sagrada Familia Construction Board, Esteve Camps; and the institution's general director, Xavier Martínez. Around forty inmates who participated in the project were also in attendance.
Minister Espadaler emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Pope's message on shared dignity and second chances, recalling that "people are not defined by the mistakes they may have made." He highlighted the collaboration between the entities and championed the trajectory of artistic workshops in Catalan penitentiary centers, celebrating their 40th anniversary, stating that "art is a powerful tool for expressing emotions, regaining hope, and building future projects."
The initiative, developed between February and March, allowed inmates from all Catalan penitentiary centers to visit the basilica and participate in creative workshops. The words chosen to synthesize their reflections form the tower-shaped sculpture, inaugurated in the apse chapel of the Sagrada Familia. The installation includes an audiovisual with participant testimonials.
This action is part of the Sagrada Familia's Momentum 3 program, reaffirming the basilica's commitment to promoting initiatives that bring cultural heritage closer to diverse groups and foster social cohesion through artistic experience.
