Pact's first Supporters' Mass held at Wormwood Scrubs Prison
Mass in the prison chapel.
The Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) first Supporters' Mass was held at Wormwood Scrubs Prison in west London on Tuesday.
The prison was chosen for its especially beautiful and spacious chapel. Bishop Paul McAleenan was our main celebrant, assisted by Fr Dominic Robinson and Fr Chima, the Catholic chaplain at the prison.
We were welcomed by Governor Amy Frost who said how much she valued being able to invite people inside to play some part in the good work the prison staff strive to do.
Our Mass was moving and prayerful. One of the prisoners read from St Paul's Letter to the Romans: 'Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ.' Bishop Paul had chosen a Gospel reading from St. Luke, where the new disciples 'left everything and followed him'. In our bidding prayers, we asked, 'God of mercy, may your love overcome struggle and heartache and bring new life.' Jonathan Schranz, the Director of Music at Southwark Cathedral, played the chapel's grand piano fantastically well, to accompany our hymn-singing.
Theresa Alessandro, on behalf of Pact's CEO Andy Keen-Downs, told the congregation about Andy's recent audience with Pope Francis and showed them the image of Mary Untier of Knots which Pope Francis blessed on behalf of all those in prison in England & Wales. She explained to the men that they were the first of many in prison with whom we hope to share the image and Pope Francis' blessing. After Mass the men had an opportunity to touch the image and each make their own quiet prayer. Echoing Bishop Paul's homily, Theresa assured the men that Pope Francis cares about what happens to them because Jesus himself does.
We knew that holding an event in the prison would be challenging, and so it was. It took quite some time to get all of our guests through Security but this gave us an opportunity to experience what visiting families can go through - sometimes having had a long journey already. We were to be joined for Mass by 15 men but in fact only 4 arrived, due to short-notice issues inside on the day - just as families intending to make a much-awaited visit can be disappointed at the last minute for a variety of reasons.
Pact staff who work at Wormwood Scrubs escorted our guests back to the Pact Visitor Centre just outside the prison gate. There, Pact's Director of Comms & Engagement, Nick Mann, thanked everyone for the different ways in which they support Pact and the people we serve. Thoughtful conversations followed over some refreshments. For some in our society, and indeed in parish communities, there is little understanding of what life is like for those in prison and for their children and families. Being involved in supporting people affected by the criminal justice system can be isolating at times. However there was a wealth of experience and wisdom amongst the group: Pact parish reps, volunteers, faithful donors, lay chaplains, members of Caritas Westminster and Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, well-wishers - and Pact staff - found lots to talk about and affirm. We look forward to continuing to walk in solidarity alongside people in prison and their families.
LINKS
Website: www.prisonadvice.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PactFaithAction
Twitter: @PactFaithAction
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/prison-advice-&-care-trust
Instagram: @prisonadvice
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