"‘I was in prison, and you came to visit me’"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the May 3, 2001 edition of the Inland Register)
These words of Jesus, taken from Matthew 25, speak powerfully of how strongly and urgently the Savior wants us to address our relationships with all in our society, including those in prison. As part of the larger parable about the last judgment, this phrase is very forceful in its message: “As you did it for the least of my brothers (and sisters), you did it for me.” The implications of this message of Jesus are unending in Christian response to the Gospel. Last November at their meeting in Washington D.C., the U.S. Catholic bishops approved the document Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration, a Catholic perspective on crime and criminal justice. The document was issued after several years of consultation with a wide variety of people involved in our prison system, and with those impacted by crime. The Holy Father last summer designated a Jubilee Day for Prisoners and encouraged bishops around the world to visit prisons. He himself has done so. Probably his best known visit several years ago was with the person who attempted to assassinate him in St. Peter’s Square. Over the past few years here in the diocese, especially in the Spokane area, Providence Sister Myrta Iturriaga has arranged twice-yearly visits for me to our local correctional institutions. Just a couple of weeks before Easter I celebrated Mass six times in as many days with prisoners. Three of the six Masses were celebrated in Spanish. Two celebrations took place in Airway Heights Correctional Center, one in the general facility and one in the “camp,” which is a minimum security area on the general campus. We celebrated twice in Pine Lodge Pre-Release near Medial Lake, one each for women and for men. There was a joint celebration with the men and women at Geiger Correctional Facility, near the Spokane Airport. Finally, we went to Martin Center near Eastern State Hospital, where about 20 youth came to Mass. All of the young people were incarcerated because of immigration violations. In the group were two brothers, ages 14 and 15, from a country in Central America. I’m reminded of my last visit there, talking with some of the young people who were hidden away for hours in cramped space under the floorboard of their vehicle. All of sudden they were yanked out and told to run because of the approaching border patrol. They couldn’t run because their legs were numb. We are reminded of the desperation on the part of the young as they seek a better way of life. I always find these visits with prisoners to be times of grace and blessing. As I visit prisoners, countless stories of their lives pour out. “This is my ninth felony.” “I haven’t been to Mass for 30 years.” “This is a picture of my children (or family).” “Say a prayer for me.” They are also very grateful for the ministry of Sister Myrta and the priests, deacons, and lay people who serve as volunteers. For years, volunteers have also served the prison population at the State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. The Church’s presence there is made possible by priests, deacons, and laity who continue to bring the Gospel to those who are in a difficult time in their lives. We also need to keep in mind those who work and serve in our prison system. Conditions at times are overcrowded and the number of prisoners has certainly increased with the present sentencing guidelines. In one state, financial support for prisons is greater than the education budget. I suspect the work of staff in prisons is very demanding and challenging. They need support, too. At the conclusion of the U.S. bishops’ document, Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration, several action items are suggested:
For us as Church, ministry to prisons and all involved in crimes — victims, perpetrators, families, and staff — should be of concern and attention as we live out the Gospel. May God grant us wisdom and compassion as we look to the future.
May 1-4: Diocesan Priests’ Retreat
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‘I was in prison, and you came to visit me.’