Send cards to prisoners, join the prison ministry

Dec 15, 2017

KAULA LUMPUR: The prison ministry of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur sends volunteers and priests to the prisons regularly for visits and spiritual encouragement. We have many volunteers, priests from various parishes here, as well as bishops visiting and sharing the good news to all prisoners .

Visits to the prison have always brought about God’s abundance of love and compassion to these, the least of our brothers and sisters. “I was in prison.... You visited me” Mt 25:31

Keep up the good works. The season of Christmas is approaching, so let’s write a card with a message of hope for all these prisoners who are waiting for your support. Contact the prison ministry volunteers in your parish today! Praised be God for his goodness.

I was in prison.... You visited me!
It was in 2014 during my visits that I came across three Catholic lady inmates from the Togo Republic, Africa. I was told of their need to see their embassy officials for some legal help and assistance. The prison department was not able to assist them as there is no embassy in Malaysia. This prompted me to write to the Nuncio in KL who advised me to contact the Togo embassies in Japan and India. Requests were made through letters and email but they were not able to assist. This case was even later taken to the commission of justice and peace in Rome by the Nuncio, who assured of prayer support of the Holy Father.

Since then, some of my letters to them of prayer support and encouragements from volunteers have kept them going in life faithfully.

This year, one of them was released from the Kajang prison and was sent to the depot in Bukit Jalil. The volunteers were told of this release and made an attempt to visit her to assist while at the immigration camp here. All she needed now was a travel pass from the Togo government and a flight ticket. This inmate was assisted by these volunteers who, through some efforts and help, had finally gotten a travel pass given by the Togo embassy in Beijing, China. Travel arrangements were made and on November 6, 2017, Amavi returned home safely. Thanks to Catherine Boon and Theresa and the entire prison ministry team for this help. She is very grateful for all the great help given her by the prison ministry.

There was another similar case of a lady inmate from Georgia, with no embassy here, who needed assistance. It was during prison visits that I got to know an official from the Romania embassy, Kuala Lumpur who helped to refer this matter to the Romanian foreign ministry who helped to arrange officials from Georgia to visit the inmate here. Continuous visits and efforts given will surely bring goodness to these inmates .

Another story is of a child born in prison and growing up with her mother, a Guinea national who was sentenced for life in prison. At the age of three, this child had to be given up for adoption or to the welfare department. The mother requested that the child be sent to her home country to be raised by her family. This needed the help of the embassy and it was not easy. The case was taken up by then Archbishop Murphy Pakiam who took it to the cardinal in Guinea. Immediately the Guinea government made all arrangements to take the child. Three-year-old Chantal was flown home on May 16, 2014.--By Fr George Harrison

Education... Anytime, anywhere!
I went to the Kajang prison for the first time in 2007 and visited a young inmate whom I knew well from my home parish. This visit created a great opportunity for counselling, guidance and confession. These visits slowly encouraged me to make regular monthly visits to other sections and the female prison, as well. Visits like this give hope and cheer to the inmates.

This young inmate, Moses Anthony, while in prison, was held in good standing because of his character and conduct. He was offered to take up a special course through distance learning. The OUM university offered him a Bachelor in Business Administration four year study-course. This would only be possible if the family could pay the fees for the entire course. The family was not able to manage this. It was at this time that Moses asked the Church for assistance. With the help of Tuan Ranjit from the prison who made every possible effort and Herbert and Theresa from the Holy Family Church Prison Ministry, all arrangements were made. We approached the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) for help and they approved to pay for the entire course. Special thanks to Fr Mitchel Anthony who was then the director of AOHD.

Moses is a bright student who obtained high marks in all the subjects and passed with flying colours. He successfully completed the course and also finished serving his sentence and was released this year in March. After his release, he made time to visit all the friends and prison volunteers who helped him in his journey.

Though life is very tough and hard for Moses, now 35 years old, who had spent almost 11 years in prison, it was the Word of God and the spiritual guidance that strongly encouraged him to be what he is today.

Moses is now giving his best to live a new, good and purposeful life. On Nov 26, 2017, he was conferred the Bachelor in Business Administration by OUM. He and his family are very grateful to the prison ministry and all faithful for the continuous support given. -- By Fr George Harrison