April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
REFLECTION
Prison ministry and the pope
It so happened that the publication of Pope Francis' recent interview in America magazine overlapped with the annual retreat/conference of New York State's Catholic prison chaplains. The likelihood of those two things fitting together in such a meaningful way can only be described as the work of God.
Here was the Holy Father, pouring out his heart, imploring us all as Catholics to be more merciful, more accepting, more loving - and here were the prison chaplains, coming together in need of renewal, fellowship and a shot in the arm to sustain them in their ministry.
And what a shot in the arm it was! The very first answer Pope Francis offers in the interview in response to the question, "Who are you?" is, "I am a sinner."
He identifies with sinners because he is a sinner. Aren't we all? The chaplains know that well; they would be the first to tell you of their failures.
They also know that while the sins of those living behind bars crossed a line, for which they are rightly being punished, so many of them have been deeply wounded by abuse, neglect and addiction. They are hurting, and they need the restorative power of the Lord.
So, when the Holy Father speaks of the Church as a "field hospital" after battle, healing wounds and warming hearts, I say, "Yes!" That is what our prison chaplains do, day after day, hour after hour, in the bowels of the prison system, touching those who are hurting.
Chaplains are the presence of Christ - His hands, His eyes, His words. They are bringing inmates closer to the Lord.
It is not an easy job; prison chaplaincy is a demanding call. It is stressful, dirty, dangerous. The statistics tell us that, while the crime rate has dropped and the prison population has decreased over the past 10 years, those in prison are more violent, and many more have been diagnosed with mental illness. The inmate suicide rate is way up.
I have visited several correctional facilities over the years and the one thing I will never forget is the stench. Overcrowded cells, unflushed toilets and recirculated air, overlaid with the smell of distrust and fear, do not add up to a pleasant aroma. When Pope Francis speaks of the "freshness and fragrance of the Gospel," I inhale deeply and rejoice. The prison chaplains are there, bringing the sunshine and bouquet of our faith to the offenders, just as the pope suggests: simply, profoundly, radiantly.
The Jesuit magazine interview with Pope Francis is a deep and revealing introspective look at this successor to St. Peter - the same one who washed the feet of youthful offenders on Holy Thursday earlier this year. With that powerful gesture, the Pope declared that this is where God needs to be present: with the outcasts, in the darkest of places.
Pope Francis says, "In life, God accompanies persons, and we must accompany them, starting from their situation. It is necessary to accompany them with mercy."
Like our Holy Father, prison chaplains are not just "talking the talk." They are literally walking the walk, accompanying troubled men and women on their journey. God bless the prison chaplains. I am honored to work with them.[[In-content Ad]]
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