REMAIN UNITED IN PRAYER AND IN SERVICE

This year, the Catholic Prison Fellowship Association of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur joyfully celebrates its 40th anniversary with the theme, “Companions of Hope and Healing” on Saturday, 23 August 2025, at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

Together with our Archbishop and Priests, who have faithfully walked alongside this ministry over the years, we concelebrated a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 11.00 am. Along with our committee members, volunteers, their families, and all who carry this mission in their hearts, we lifted up our gratitude to God for four decades of service, compassion, and solidarity with our brothers and sisters behind prison walls.

Today, over 80 volunteers dedicate their time to visiting prisons across Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Terengganu. Week after week, often with little recognition, they choose to step into places filled with pain and despair to share a message of Christ with those who are incarcerated. Their humble acts of presence, prayer, sharing, listening, and encouragement remind the incarcerated that they are not forgotten, and that they are still beloved children of God. This quiet yet steadfast service truly reflects the spirit of the Gospel and inspires them to show kindness and compassion.

Prisons can indeed be dark places, yet time and again, we have seen how God’s light shines through even the deepest shadows. Through sharing the Word of God, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Eucharist, Christ himself draws near to heal minds, bodies, and spirits. It is in these moments, those of us who serve, find that our own faith grows stronger and is renewed by these precious encounters. Truly, as St. Paul reminds us to, “Keep in mind those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them”(Hebrews 13:3).

As we reflect on this milestone, we cannot forget the inspiring witness of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Imprisoned in Auschwitz, he chose to live out his priesthood to the very end, freely sacrificing his life in place of a fellow prisoner. In the darkness of the starvation bunker, his faith and love became a radiant sign of Christ’s presence. His sacrifice teaches us that love is strongest when it gives itself for others.

May his example inspire us in our prison ministry: to serve not only out of duty, but out of love that brings hope where it is scarce, brings light into darkness, and restores dignity that has been lost. 

As we celebrate 40 years of this mission, let us remain united in prayer and in service. May our efforts always be guided by peace, joy, and gratitude. May we, like St. Maximilian Kolbe, continue to shine as beacons of God’s love to those whom the world too easily forgets.

Lord, strengthen all those who are in this Prison Ministry with Your love, so that they may continue to bring light, hope, and healing to our brothers and sisters in prison.