By Thea Jarvis

The stage was set for another “end of an era” event in Atlanta history.

To the chagrin of some and the joy of others, the U.S. Congress ordered the closing of the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary by September of 1984. The shutdown was begun last year.

But fate – and the Cuban boatlife – intervened. Waves of Spanish-speaking refugees whom Fidel Castro had, however impolitely asked to leave, hurried to American shores.

Space for the new arrivals was, and continues to be, at a premium. The Atlanta Penitentiary became a viable option for housing hundreds of mostly young adult male Cubans whose status as offender or settler was still to be determined.

“Since we were closing,” says Bill Noonan at the penitentiary’s Office of Public Information, “it seemed economically and administratively feasible to move these people here from facilities all over the country.”

Thus, by the end of February, 1981, the Atlanta Penitentiary will have changed its status from prison to detention center, housing a maximum of 1700 Cuban refugees and maintaining a work staff of approximately 200 Anglo inmates.

Pastoral ministry to these Cuban exiles began almost as soon as the refugee population of the penitentiary began to climb. The formidable team of ministers to the Spanish-speaking community in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, headed by Father Richard Kieran and including Sister Theresa Ahern, Fathers Raimundo Solano, O.F.M., Juan de la Crus, Jose Fernandez Solis, Jorge Cristancho, and Mauro Murlot, jumped heart-first into a situation which was, at best, a challenge.

“All of us realized that there was a need here. We had to make some response to this influx of refugees,” says Father Kieran. “We are now doing the best we can with limited resources.”

Though the resources are limited, the pastoral commitment is virtually without bounds.

“This past week, I talked with a man who tried to commit suicide,” recalls Father Jorge Cristancho, who with Father Mauro Murlot visits the refugees two and three times a week for counseling, prayer, and catechizing.

“He was just a young man, about 20 or 21 years old, and he had been abused by some of the other men. As I talked to him, I realized that he had some mental problems that had gone unnoticed. I wrote a memorandum to the officials at the institution, telling them of his difficulty. It is in cases like this that I feel we can be helpful.”

Basic catechesis is another need for refugees seeking some spiritual direction.

“Most of the men consider themselves Catholic, but they have no real understanding of the sacraments or the Gospel message,” says Father Cristancho. “They haven’t practiced a pure Christian religion, but a mixture of Christianity and voodoo popularly known as ‘Santeria.’”

The priests rotate with other denominations for Thursday afternoon religious services that the refugees are invited to attend. One evening a week, a class in English is offered by volunteers from the Catholic community.

“The refugees are receptive to what we are trying to do for them,” observes Father Cristancho. “At first there was a great deal of restlessness. Now they are more at peace.”

The dilemma of what to do with the refugees, however, still remains. Clearing the Cubans for release and resettlement is a long and arduous process. While a federal team attempts to define who will go and who will stay, lonely men stand waiting. A pair of glasses, some dental work, basic medical treatment, or just someone to talk to are among the most pressing needs of the men.

“Volunteers really mean a lot to these refugees,” says Father Cristancho. “They view us as visitors from the outside. When they see us they feel free.”

Bilingual volunteers are now being sought to help in the pastoral ministry effort. A workshop is in the planning stages for men and couples willing to serve as tutors, counselors, visitors, or professionals. Musicians and singers are also needed to help in the celebration of Mass at the penitentiary. In addition, job opportunities for refugees soon to be released are urgently needed.

Father Jorge Cristancho (636-1418) would welcome a call from anyone interested in this outreach.