Sharing the Christmas spirit with those in prisons
Around 15,000 prison inmates in Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan were feted with Christmas food parcels between December 13-14 while, for the Christians, Eucharistic Celebrations were commemorated on December 18.
Jan 08, 2015

By Percy D’Cruz
Around 15,000 prison inmates in Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan were feted with Christmas food parcels between December 13-14 while, for the Christians, Eucharistic Celebrations were commemorated on December 18. All this was made possible through the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese Prison Ministry’s efforts in sharing the Christmas spirit in prisons in Kajang (men and women), Sungai Buloh, Bentong, Kuantan, Seremban and Jelebu.
Ministry president Stephen Raj declared, “As we celebrate the Christmas joy with our families and friends, many prisoners feel lonely, as they are separated from their loved ones while struggling to cope with the festive season behind bars. Our efforts demonstrate the Lord’s care for humanity, especially the poor, the marginalized and those ostracized in prisons”
Volunteers from the various prison ministries in the archdiocese came together to organise the event at the various prisons. Apples, cakes and cream biscuits were packed in plastic at parish halls prior to being transported to various prions.
The usual prison visits for sharing the Word of God and counselling, witnessed with Christmas carols and songs sung to bring Christ to them as evidence that Almighty God is present with his love and care for those in prison, underscoring the words in Mathew (Ch.25:36) “I was in prison and you visited me”.
For the Christian inmates attending the Eucharistic celebrations on December 18, simultaneously in all seven prisons by a dozen priests, the Sacraments of Confession and Communion were administered. Many of them were touched by the Word of God read out by their fellow inmates, as well as the homilies.
Emeritus Archbishop Soter Fernandez with Fr. Raymond Pereira concelebrated the Eucharist for about 45 Christian inmates (both men and women) at the Kajang Prison. Both admitted to being challenged to speak on hope and God’s love and mercy to inmates who were experiencing low points in their lives. Some inmates were seen in tears as they recalled memories of being with their families and loved ones.
The prison authorities in Bentong were most supportive and allowed celebration of the Eucharist jointly for male and female inmates. Priests involved included Frs. Simon Labrooy, Andrew Kooi, Albert Arockiasamy and Surain D. Raj. They also celebrated the Eucharist at the Sungai Buloh Prison. Prison Ministry’s spiritual chaplain Fr. George Harrison, who organised the entire Mass schedule with prison affairs co-ordinator Theresa Chin, joined Fr. George Packiasamy for service at the Kajang Prison.
The Kuala Lumpur archdiocese prisons ministry has more than 155 registered volunteers, together with a 15-strong clergy team, visiting inmates weekly for socio-pastoral programmes, counselling services, confessions and sharing the Word of God.
The ministry is currently doing its best to revive the defunct medical teams comprising paediatric doctors, midwives and nurses to help out with pre-and post-natal care for pregnant mothers and babies born in prison.
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