Virgin of Candelaria Visits Tenerife Prison in Early Morning Procession

The Patron Saint of the Canary Islands is now inside a prison. At 4:30 AM, about twenty members of the committee responsible for the Virgin of Candelaria's visit started the operation. The image, in its glass case, was taken away by Grúas Cuchi at 4:55 AM towards Tenerife II prison.

Whether it was due to nerves, rushing, or both, the volunteers announced the start of the procession. But the new head of the Basilica of Candelaria, Dailos José Melo, stopped it to say an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be.

Then, surprisingly, the procession headed towards the northern highway, as the decision had been made to change the route to the prison.

Escorted by the Bravo Murillo Local Police, the procession went to the roundabout near the Presidency of the Canary Islands, then through the Tres de Mayo tunnel and onto the highway.

Passing through the still-sleeping neighborhood of Somosierra, the convoy went by the bus stop in Taco. A woman there broke the silence of the night, exclaiming "Oh, my pretty girl!" She made the sign of the cross and shouted, "Long live the Virgin!" in the middle of the highway.

Traveling at 40 kilometers per hour, the procession continued to the Padre Anchieta roundabout. Two police vehicles from La Laguna ensured safety as the glass case passed. There was no rest. The cameraman from the Regional Television asked his driver for a break, complaining about the speed. Almost as soon as they started again, he asked her to wait while he set up his tripod before joining the La Esperanza road.

At the turnoff to the prison, the procession filled the road. The flashing blue lights of the Civil Guard patrol seemed to highlight the Virgin's short cloak. A waiter named Jaime Estévez described the cloak as royal blue. In the darkness, the prison was easily identified, almost as brightly lit as the Auditorium during a performance. The only sound this morning was the barking of dogs as they approached the prison.

A left turn led to the parking lot where the crane carrying the glass case would go, while the other vehicles parked a bit further down. Sebastián, the crane operator from Grúas Cuchi, was pleased, saying it was the perfect time for the transfer.

By 5:45 AM, the image was inside the prison. At the main entrance, Agustín Domingo Marrero, the delegate of Prison Ministry of the Diocese of Tenerife, gave instructions about the visit. He explained that visitors would go through three security checks to reach the courtyard where the event was planned. He asked if they had prayed for no rain that morning.

No cell phones or keys were allowed. The prison delegate reminded everyone to bring their IDs.

The group waited until 7:00 AM for a supervisor to arrive and allow the Virgin's companions access. Bishop Eloy Santiago was expected at 8:00 AM, with the celebration with the inmates scheduled for 9:30 AM.

The event was held behind closed doors at the request of the Penitentiary Institutions, who stated that they are a non-denominational State and ensure the privacy of those inside the prison.

The procession was scheduled to leave at 1:00 PM, returning through Taco towards La Concepción, unless there was a last-minute change.

Father Domingo Marrero expressed his emotion at the significance of the visit.

While waiting at the prison doors, the fifteen or so visitors chatted. Domingo Marrero predicted that the departure of the procession at 1:00 PM would be a beautiful moment, with a small group of people gathering at the doors. José Ramón Jaramillo joked with Gregorio, his Dominican companion from Candelaria, that he would be the one to be given up for ransom. The head of the Franciscans also joked with the Dominicans, asking what they were doing outside the convent.

The Virgin looked different, without her platform, just a structure to be carried on the inmates' shoulders, and a short dress.

The first workers arriving at the prison before the event felt emotional. No one could leave after 12:00 PM, and an extraordinary inmate count was scheduled for 12:50 PM.