Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Federal Penitentiary Sunday, confirming nine inmates of the large penal institution.

Some 100 attended the Mass and confirmation, held in the prison’s main auditorium.

Speaking to the men in the homily, the archbishop shifted into Spanish, addressing himself to the large number of Spanish speaking inmates present. Expressing his pastoral concern for their welfare, the archbishop said he hoped to return soon to celebrate the Eucharist for the men in Spanish. During the course of the visit he discussed with Father Raymond Beane, O.F.M., Chaplain, how such a program might be arranged.

After the ceremony was concluded, members of the prison staff took the archbishop and Father Jerry Hardy, who had accompanied him, on a tour of the sprawling facility. The associate warden, James D. Riggsby, led the group, which also included Harold H. McKernan, Father Thomas Giblin of Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Dr. J. F. Alderete of the prison hospital staff.

When asked about his reactions the archbishop commented that it was a great deal better than other prisons he had visited. He added that he was especially impressed with the concern for the prisoners evidenced on the part of the staff personnel.

He also indicated his gratitude with their cooperative spirit in the sphere of the religious needs of the men.