A prison sentence is already an isolating experience, but the pandemic has made it even more lonely.
Bob Buckham, director of the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Prison Ministry, said movement within institutions and visits from loved ones have been greatly restricted in the last year. Time to spend exercising, in the library, or socializing has also been cut, as has access to prison chapels.
“In normal times, the inmates could visit the chapel every day, in large numbers,” Buckham said. “Now it is once every two weeks with a maximum of five inmates at a time.”
Prison chaplains are limited to seeing small numbers of inmates, while the hundreds of archdiocesan volunteers who used to visit local prisons to lead prayer or faith studies have been completely barred from entering any local prison since March 2020. (Chaplains were locked out for the first few months of the pandemic).
All this has made it tough for inmates in B.C. institutions to find hope in their circumstances these days.
“I’ve personally discovered that without faith and prayer, I’d probably be nuts by now trying to cope with the daily trials of our new ‘normal,’” Keith* wrote to a prison ministry volunteer.
“Communication to the ‘outside’ world has almost ground to a halt, and we are at the mercy of both health-care professionals and [Correctional Service Canada]. I try to remain positive and your communication helps to brighten my days.”
In response to the prisoners’ isolation, ministry volunteers began writing letters to inmates. At Christmas and Easter time, Catholic school students are also invited to write letters of encouragement.
The response has been one of deep gratitude.
“It is wonderful for you volunteers to take the time to write to people like me who are incarcerated,” Patrick* wrote. “It makes a difference, and it shows that we are not forgotten and you care about us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“I want to thank you for your letter of prayers,” Paul* wrote. “This COVID-19 situation is quite the crisis. Our gym, library, and other facilities are closed and our movement is very restricted. The greatest punishment is the sheer boredom of being locked in my cell all day, with no contact with other humans. I hope this ends soon.”
In addition to writing letters, some institutions have a phone program, which volunteers have used to connect with inmates (as long as a chaplain is present). Some institutions are also considering allowing video calls so volunteers can continue spiritual programs they used to run.
So far, three inmates have signed up to participate in a 40-day prayer program inspired by St. Ignatius – at a distance.
“I once again echo the sentiment, boldly speaking for us all, that we look forward to the day that we may be able to return to the chapel, to give each other an ‘air high five’ and a ‘masked smile’ as we greet each other,” wrote one man.*
“None of you should ever discount what a full and complete blessing your serving in attending and fellowshipping with us was and will be again. God bless you all, and may the Holy Spirit inspire you to continue in this wonderful service!”
Jonathan* had never entered a prison chapel before, but was looking for a deeper meaning to life. Volunteers reached him with prayer and consolation through their letters, and say they are looking forward to meeting him once the lockdown is lifted.
*Names and/or surnames withheld to protect confidentiality.
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