A large group of inmates listened intently in the visiting area at the Maine Correctional Center in Windham on Christmas Eve. A table serving as an altar, candles, a small nativity scene carved by inmates, and a small Christmas tree stood in the front of the room, as did Bishop Robert P. Deeley of the Portland Diocese, who celebrated a special morning mass at the facility to deliver an important message.
“In this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis wants us to deepen our appreciation for God’s mercy,” Deeley told the inmates. “The Holy Father reminds us that wherever we are, no matter where we are, we can receive God’s mercy. Here, we find God’s love for us.”
Communicating that genuine acceptance awaits all those who follow Jesus resonated with many gathered, and, it is hoped that the bishop’s visit will touch the hearts of others, inside the facility and out.
“It shows he is concerned about all of us,” said William, an inmate. “These men are actively trying to better themselves. Bishop Deeley being here gives us a lot of support. It’s very helpful for us.”
“The fact that he’s here is a great message of hope and faith to the population,” said Scott Landry, the warden at the Maine Correctional Center. “It’s really important, especially at this time of year. It’s a great example to everybody not to forget about incarcerated people and to not give up on them.”
The mass was a moving experience for the inmates and correctional officers who observed. The entire assembly sang “Silent Night” in unison during holy communion.
To show their gratitude for his trip, at the end of mass, the inmates gave the bishop a hand-carved nativity scene as a gift.
“May God bless you to deepen in your hearts an appreciation of God’s care for you and help you to care for one another,” said the bishop.
The Holy Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis, aims to help all believers have a genuine experience of God’s mercy, both received and given. One of the corporal works of mercy is to visit the imprisoned, meaning to be present to someone whose freedom of movement has been compromised, either due to some form of institutionalization (jail or medical facility) or physical impairment. A special Holy Year of Mercy section has been created on the Diocese of Portland’s website. The section includes a wide range of resources, including prayers, reflections, local Holy Year of Mercy stories from the diocese and parishes, and a calendar of Holy Year of Mercy events and gatherings that will be continually updated. To access the section, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/holy-year-of-mercy.
Deeley outside of the Windham Correctional Center
Deeley celebrates mass with inmates
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