MERCY AND LOVE ARE BOUNDLESS

On Sunday, 16 March 2025, the Archdiocesan Catholic Prison Ministry (ACPM) of Kuala Lumpur organised a Lenten outreach with two events to support the families of prisoners and those on parole. These initiatives truly reflect Christ’s call to care for the needy - reminding us of His words: “I was in prison, and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:36). It is all about fostering kindness and support!

Our first event, the Jalinan-Kasih Program (Bonds of Love Programme), was held at the Kajang Hall from 12.00 noon to 5.00 pm, which was aimed at supporting the families of prisoners. We truly understand the emotional and financial challenges they face, so our ACPM volunteers organised this heartfelt gathering filled with love, support, and encouragement. It was a special day for the wives, parents, children, siblings, relatives and close friends of the incarcerated individuals, and we welcomed everyone with open arms!

The event provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, share their stories, and find comfort in a supportive community that truly understands their experiences. It was a heartwarming gathering filled with joy, featuring a delicious meal, inspiring speeches, and lively musical performances. Some families came on their own, while others had transportation arranged for their convenience.

Each family received essential provisions like grocery hampers, clothing and other daily necessities. About 80 individuals attended - with 20 dedicated volunteers and leaders who worked tirelessly to make this event a success. Through this initiative, ACPM aimed to emphasise that no one should feel abandoned and that the love of Christ unites us, even in tough times.

At 6.30 pm that same evening, ACPM organised a Majlis Berbuka Puasa (Iftar Ceremony) with parolees at the Hulu Langat Halfway Home in Kajang. It was a special occasion, marking the very first-time ACPM held this kind of outreach during the holy month of Ramadan. This special event fostered interfaith dialogue and mutual respect among participants.

The Majlis Berbuka Puasa was attended by 70 parolees, five Halfway Home (Rumah Perantaraan) officers, priests and volunteers from ACPM. It was an evening of spiritual reflection - where individuals from various walks of life came together in a spirit of compassion and fraternity. Before breaking our fast, we took a moment for prayer - focusing on unity, gratitude and hope for new beginnings for the parolees. To express our appreciation, the organising team distributed care packages filled with toiletries, clothing and towels for the parolees. The ACPM team and Halfway Home officers exchanged gifts - signifying the start of a new partnership in restorative justice.

This Lenten outreach represented a significant milestone for ACPM - bringing joy, healing and renewed relationships. It emphasised that mercy and love are boundless and that simple acts of kindness reflect the heart of Christ. Motivated by this success, ACPM intends to expand its outreach programmes in the coming years - ensuring dignity and care for those often overlooked.

Let us keep our brothers and sisters - both the imprisoned, and their families - in our thoughts and prayers, so that they may find strength, hope and reconciliation in their journey through life.