We who are involved in prison chaplaincy were shocked last week when we received the news that Dhurringile prison could recommence the Church service program, and that it would start immediately.
The week before the state elections we were told that there would be no chance of restarting in the near future. We petitioned that it was worthwhile and certainly beneficial for prisoners but to no avail.
This privilege was taken way after someone complained that a prisoner was being treated too lightly in prison because he was seen playing football on a Saturday for a local club.
Why people see a prison as a place of punishment begs lack of understanding. Being set apart from society, family, friends, employment and no freedom. This is enough to contend with. The role of the justice system is to help that person to adjust and be able to assimilate and take their place again in society as a good citizen. Someone you would be happy to have living next door. Not someone who is angry with the world, the justice system and those who will not accept him or give him a chance to move on with his life.
The next time we saw the prisoners which was for Mass last Friday they were excited at the prospect of coming to Mass, sitting in a church with people who accept them, talk with them, have a coffee later on and give them a little touch of support, acceptance and normality in their lives. This gives them hope in a world which can be quite depressing for them.
So thanks to the Justice System for reversing this decision to allow this program to start again.
Fr Michael Morley
Parish Priest
5th December 2018
