By Linda Makau.
In Pope Francis’ 4th encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, the fundamental truth that he imparts about our lives as Christians is the conviction that each person possesses an “inalienable dignity” (FT no. 27). Many times we criticize but we never listen. If we are not so quick to condemn then lasting change will take place from the inside out, beginning with a reconciled relationship with God. This is the case at Ruiru Prisons where many have experienced the trauma of sudden separation from their families and social standing in society, and are vulnerable to feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, depression and guilt. The Christmas Season is all about giving hope and GCCM Africa, in conjunction with Capuchin Charities Kenya, was at the heart of implementing this noble course.
Prison wardens are the top correctional officers in a prison facility, responsible for the safe and secure operation of the prisons they manage. Speaking to one of the prison wardens, “Life in prison is tough but it also equips the inmates to lead a normal life upon release whenever they search for jobs, the kind of training they undergo inside the prison prepares them to lead normal lives especially for the once serving shorter sentences or released on good behaviour. However, many face a lot of stigmatization mostly from their family members since they would not want to be associated with a former inmate for obvious reasons. The public needs to accept them, help them fit right into the society setting,” Alphonce, Prison Warden. “If the society does not accept them, the prisoners encounter challenges that contribute to the commission of a crime and return to prison. Additionally, released prisoners are at a very high risk of attaining physical or mental illnesses, exposed to substance abuse, therefore, we ensure that they undergo programs that address addiction and depression before release.”
In the care for creation, we are called to act, pray and reconcile with our brothers. We are custodians indeed and have the power to change the narrative. This will in turn influence the marginalised to learn to think in a new way, act in a new way, and relate to others in a new way. Prison can be a dark place, but we believe that there is a light that shines brighter than the shadows of prison. “We have had inmates who have successfully finished their course and are advocates of the High Court, others principals of prominent schools, because someone believed in them and gave them hope.”
It is time for society to change their mind set.
Fr. Ben Ayodi, Programs Manager LSM Africa formerly (GCCM Africa) was touched by the humility of the inmates as he unwrapped gifts, handing them over to the wardens-in-charge. “Educating the prisoners with a structured set of doctrinal faith-based studies and job trainings that are geared towards enhancing their growth is basic and fundamental, it is commendable for the society “he said, as he applauded the Head of Prisons. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove that which is good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).”
They say the secret to happiness is by helping others. If you want happiness for a long time, help somebody “for it is in giving that we receive”. What it takes is an inner change of perspective and attitude. If you want to change the world, then you ought to know that change begins with oneself. You can enhance these virtues by subscribing to our Laudato Si Animators courses and become a student. Love impels us towards universal communion (FT, 91)”, this draws us toward Pope Francis’ concept of social love. But how do we incarnate these truth? We need to embolden the structures by which we come to moral discernment in our world by being willing to denounce unjust attitudes and states of affairs, and by investing in social love to those in greatest need (FT, 187)”.
“On behalf of the staff and the inmates I would like to thank you LSM Africa formerly (GCCM Africa) and Capuchin Charities, for visiting us and praying with us and mostly thank you for providing the inmates with the basic needs. We hope that more will be encouraged to donate especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, the current state scared most of our well-wishers and donors but we hope 2021 will be a year of great difference. we hope that once the restrictions and regulations of the pandemic have been lowered , you will visit and help promote Laudato Si in our institution,” stated the Head of Prisons.
If the marginalized cannot rejoice in the face of our alliance the “purported truth”, then we are not offering it to them in the first place.
Linda Makau is a Policy Analyst, Journalist and Media and Communications Strategist.
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