Again and again we hear from prison chaplains just how important it is to accompany not only prisoners but their families also. Not infrequently offenders are converted as a result, repent of their past deeds and become worthwhile members of society. While innocent victims, unjustly imprisoned, are encouraged and saved from despair. People who have never experienced love or kindness in their lives encounter the Good News of Jesus for the first time, while families are frequently saved from breakup and grinding poverty, and many souls find their way to Christ.
The pastoral ministry to prisoners and their families is one of the many important priorities for the Coptic Catholic Church in Egypt. Unfortunately, the crime rate is very high. But it also happens that families often lose their sole breadwinner, simply because the father or husband is unable to pay his debts. The economic situation in Egypt is dire and there is high unemployment, while living costs have soared at the same time. As a result the father often ends up in prison, in a vicious cycle that unfairly affects those who are already poor and socially excluded. For their families it is nothing less than a catastrophe.
The priests go into the prisons, celebrating Holy Mass, hearing confessions and offering spiritual and psychological help and support to all who ask. At the same time they help prepare prisoners for reintegration into society. And they also strive to ensure that every prisoner receives the medical care they require and is treated humanely. And of course they are an important link between the prisoners and their families, whom they also care for. Frequently they are able even to provide a little financial help and ensure that the children can still attend school.
Most prisons in Egypt are sited well away from built-up areas, in the desert, sometimes as much as 150 to 300 km from the nearest town. So the priests have to travel long distances every week in order to minister to these prisoners. In visiting the prisons, they often take family members with them, who otherwise would have no way of visiting their husband, brother or father. These journeys are also an opportunity for lengthy conversations and shared prayer.
The diocese of Minia has asked our help to provide a vehicle specifically for these prison visits, and we are planning to offer 20,000 Euros. We would be most grateful for any help you can give us.
