Letters From Prison

I received my first letter from the Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe, Zambia in February 2002. A booklet of simple prayers Prayers and Reflections produced annually by the Pontifical Mission Societies had somehow found its way into the prison. Since then, I have received many letters. In these, I have found a deep Christian faith nourished by an Irish missionary who is chaplain to the prison. These letters give a unique insight into the work of a missionary as seen through the eyes of the inmates.

Presence

In one way or another every letter tells of the importance of the presence of the missionary. For many, if not most, he is the only contact with the outside world. Many inmates have been totally abandoned by family and friends. The missionary is the only person to listen to their pain. 'He brought me the Lord. He changed me from a life that was bad and evil so that I am now a new person'. One may be surprised to see inmates able to draw good out of their difficult situations but the influence of the missionary helped this to happen. 'I was able to meet the Lord right here in prison through father's presence. I saw the true picture of my condition and situation for the first time.'

Meetings

The inmates look forward to the visit of the missionary each Saturday morning. 'It is not just that I get out of my cell each Saturday morning. Imagine a cell meant for one inmate. Now there are 6 inmates with me in the cell and no toilet. The meeting reminds me that the Lord is with me time and time.'

Celebration of Mass

Many of the letters mention the meaningful Mass that the missionary celebrates. Many tell how they realise that Jesus was unjustly treated. Some of the inmates claim that they are unjustly imprisoned, a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 'I see with my two naked eyes how life is continuing to be tough in prison. We are suffering. Jesus suffered. His Body and Blood at Mass, when I receive communion, gives me strength'.

Fellow missionaries

If an Irish missionary makes the long journey to Zambia to share the message of Christ, then inmates can be missionaries to themselves. 'God sent me here for a purpose, to convert my fellow inmates'. This inmate discovered a new purpose in life. He had a mission to the brothers as he shared their pain, hunger and deprivation. Another prisoner had recovered his faith in prison and whether the reason was true or false, he claimed he would seek early release because of his new living faith. 'I desire to go out early from prison that I may share a genuine faith in God that others may see Christ in me and want him'.

Peace in Death Row

The missionary visits the individual prisoners in the death row section of the prison. They have the right of appeal but do not seem to be aware of when it is presented - they have no money for legal representation - and become very anxious. These inmates ask for bibles and prayer books. The missionary has a few which they share among each other. 'I am a prisoner sentenced to hang by the neck until pronounced dead. I know that it is important for me to pray and read the bible so that I am at peace with my God in this horrible place'.

Sharing gifts

The missionary shares the gifts he receives from Irish friends with the inmates to enable them to purchase food, medicine, and other small commodities. One of the inmates shares a moving story. 'After nine years in prison I had my first visit. My second born child scraped enough money for the outward journey but no money for the return. It was Father who came to his rescue. He supplied my son with transport money to enable him to return to his home. I praise God for Father's understanding and kindness and I pray for those who gave a gift to Father for the inmates'. 

The missionary priest is Fr Benny Bohan an Irish Kiltegan priest from Co Westmeath. Since entering St Patrick's Missionary Society in 1952, Fr Benny has dedicated his life to mission, serving in many locations including Nairobi, Mwangaza and Lusaka. The letters are his testimony.