Some 30 Spanish-speaking inmates at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary gathered Saturday for a Spanish Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan.

The arrangements for this Mass had been made by Father Raymond Beane, OFM, chaplain at the institution.

The archbishop delivered the homily in Spanish. Speaking of the day's feast of Saint Augustine, he pointed to the chance for a new life that is open to all men by faith in Jesus Christ.

This Mass was part of the overall Spanish apostolate at the prison. Father Raimundo Dolano, OFM, from Sacred Heart parish has been working with the inmates for several months.

A full-scale religious education program has been established by the men along with assistance from local Spanish Catholics.

In addition to Father Solano's work, there has been a Spanish-speaking deacon active in the program all summer. Father Beane indicated that the program was expected to grow as it was being well received by the men.

After the Mass, the archbishop greeted each of the men personally and visited briefly with them.