and you visited me.

here's a great article on the prison ministry experience of Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley. it also refers to the collaboration between the religious and the laity, as well as the response of the inmates. just another insight into the importance of prison ministry, and truly how it can shape and change lives.

FRAMINGHAM — Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley was just out of seminary when his friary sent him to serve as chaplain at the Butler, Pa., county prison. His first task was to preach to the inmates, but he had never given a sermon before, much less to such a tough crowd. He consulted his preaching textbook, which advised: “Speak into the horizons of your congregation.’’

read the full story here:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/26/behind_bars_a_cardinals_quiet_prison_ministry/?s_campaign=8315

psalm 139

one of the CICL shared this with me, and thought i would also pass it onto you:

you are who you are for a reason,
you're part of an intricate plan
you're a precious and perfect unique design,
called God's special woman.

you look like you look for a reason.
our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
you're just wanted he wanted to make.

the parents you had were the ones he chose,
and no matter how you may feel,
they were custom designed with God's plan in mind,
and they bear the master's seal.

no, that trauma you faced was not easy
and God wept that it hurt you so.
but it was alloewd to shape your heart
so that into his likeness you'd gros.

you are who you are for a reason,
you've been formed by the master's road
you are who you are, beloved,
because there is a God!!!
- russell kelfer

:)