Threshold Winter 2007

"Never Turn Away When Someone Needs Your Love"
(RB 4:18)

by Lucille Borengasser, OSB

The heavy metal door of A-Pod for women in the Atchison County Jail clanked open and then slid shut as I entered for my weekly visit. The two women, who gave me a warm welcome, felt comfortable talking about themselves in such a small group. One spoke of her experiences at her church, how much she loved singing hymns and how honored she felt when given the title “minister.” The other’s grandmother had died, and she would attend the funeral the next day in shackles, accompanied by two guards. We read and discussed my handout of quotes from the saints and short reflections on scripture, and sang a mantra on the theme of trust. Then it was time to visit the men next door.

In Pod B, the men quietly thanked me for giving them puzzles, calendars and the handout to read later (I hope). They wanted some bookmarks (“holy cards”). Others were coming in from recreation and some settled at my table for “church.” We discussed quotes from St. Theresa and St. Francis de Sales, shared scripture reflections and said a prayer. Others came to examine my picture collection of scenery and dogs (always a favorite). Soon it was time to meet my companion, Sister Maria Larkin, who was visiting the larger area for men, and head home.
I hoped that my visit, although short, was meaningful, that it would help them see God as loving and forgiving, and that we brought in a little brightness. I thought of the quote “Only God knows all the goodness and hope that is in each person,”and I wanted them to see the goodness and hope that is in them.

Sister Maria has been visiting the jail since 2000, when prioress Sister Mary Collins became aware of the large number of Latinos and their pastoral needs. She asked Sister Rita Claire Judge to minister to them, and Sister Maria, a former Spanish professor, soon joined her. Today Sister Maria goes several times a week, bringing scriptural readings and helping with such needs as legal advocacy, family and clergy contacts, and writing to them after they leave.

Sister Rita Claire is now in Maryville, Missouri, where she is a member of the prison ministry team at St. Gregory Parish. They visit Maryville Treatment Center to bring a caring presence with prayer, listening and music. For their weekly prayer service, Sister Rita Claire is musician and often leader. She also supervises the resource room where the men come for reading materials, audio visuals or quiet. There is also time to talk and sing with them.

Sister Barbara MacCracken goes to Wyandotte County Detention Center in Kansas City, Kansas, weekly to visit the women, some of whom are victims of domestic violence and abuse. The discussion is geared to promote personal growth, to help solve their difficulties, and to instill self respect and a sense of dignity as children of God. There are times of prayer and talk about God, and exposure to poetry and literature. She also helps them realize the importance of a good education for themselves and their children.

Although our programs and manner of visiting may vary, the four of us cherish our ministry and have the same purpose of sharing God’s love, mindful of the words of Jesus, “I was a prisoner and you visited me.”
Sisters Lucille and Maria “go to jail.”