St Carlo Acutis relic visits Hunter Correctional Centre ahead of Prisoners' Sunday
Catholic Diocese of…(Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle)
Newy 87.8 FM – A relic of St Carlo Acutis has visited Hunter Correctional Centre, with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle sharing the story ahead of Prisoners' Sunday on 8 November.
Prisoners' Sunday is marked each year by the Catholic Church in Australia, inviting prayer for those who are incarcerated, their families, victims of crime, correctional staff and prison chaplains.
Deacon Gerard McCarthy, one of the Diocese's prison chaplains, arranged the relic's visit despite significant hurdles created by tight security requirements.
"I booked a meeting with the Governor of Hunter Correctional Centre and prayed asking St Carlo Acutis to intercede to God for us, to enable the approval," he said.
When permission was granted, the prison chapel was filled with inmates, chaplains and staff for a time of prayer and veneration. Deacon McCarthy said "a profound peace was experienced by all present" and the respect shown by the inmates was "quite profound".
One prisoner, speaking on behalf of fellow inmates, said they felt deeply humbled by the visit and grateful their correctional centre had been chosen. "The inmates were over the moon when they were told that St Carlo was coming to visit the sinners in this place," he said.
The Diocese says prison chaplaincy is not about excusing wrongdoing, but reflects the belief that justice and mercy belong together, with chaplains offering a listening ear, spiritual support and the sacraments.
Join the discussion on Facebook.
