On 13–14 December, we observe the Jubilee of Prisoners — the final Jubilee weekend for the 2025 Year of Jubilee.
This Jubilee weekend calls us to acknowlede the humanity, dignity, and worth of all those who are incarcerated. We are reminded of the Gospel’s call to mercy, forgiveness, and hope, recognising that everyone has the potential for transformation and redemption.
We give thanks for the individuals and ministries who bring compassion, support, and encouragement to prisoners, as well as to their families. On this weekend, we renew our commitment to justice that is tempered with mercy, and we pray for the healing and reconciliation of all affected by imprisonment.
May this Jubilee inspire us to see the face of Christ in every person and to work toward a society where forgiveness, second chances, and restoration are offered to all.
Below we have two reflections from prison chaplains in our diocese.
Please note: The reflections and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the authors and are shared in the spirit of personal faith and contemplation. They do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Diocese of Palmerston North.
What I See as Chaplain at Manawatū Prison
Daniel Berrigan once said something like: “The prophets tell us who we could be, and the poor tell us who we are. So we kill the prophets and hide the poor.”
Prisoners are the poor we hide away. Most prisons are located far from towns, down a side road — out of sight. This makes family visits difficult. If your family member is in a prison in another region, you might take public transport to the area, but there is no public transport to the actual prison. Often, the family ends up being punished along with the prisoner.
But those who suffer most are the ones with no family connection — no one on their phone list, no one who visits, no one to send a Christmas card to. We don’t sit in judgment of them (“that’s because of your behaviour…”); we sit beside them in their pain and loneliness. We invite them to share their pain, to take the risk of being vulnerable with another person. This is a holy and healing trust — if and when it can be established.
Some prisoners feel they are better off in prison than trying to survive in the outside world. Most of us can’t comprehend that.
There are many holy moments in prison. God truly draws near to those who are broken and who stop trying to hide it. The truth of Scripture — God binds up the broken — is fulfilled more often in prison than anywhere else! That’s because they can’t hide their brokenness, unlike the rest of us who manage to keep up appearances most of the time.
I don’t know where these “God-moments” lead. We are not recruiting; we are simply trying to embody God’s love. I’m sure that leads somewhere good.
It is a huge privilege to be supported by the Church to be present in prison. Thanks be to God.
Forrest Chambers
Prison Chaplain, Manawatū Prison
Struggles as a Prison Chaplain
One of my favourite verses in Scripture is from Ephesians 1:10, which says that the plan of God — there is no plan B — is to unite all things in heaven and on earth when the time is right, with Christ as head. We are about communion: Mass is an expression of our everyday life. And when something is wrong or hurting, then we all are hurting — the Body is in tension until we are reunited.
In my twelve years as a Prison Chaplain (and I suspect this may also be true for secondary, tertiary, and hospital chaplains), I often feel like we are on our own. We are commissioned and sent from our parishes; we sense God’s call and welcome within those institutions. However, we tend to draw on our own strength in our work rather than on the continued prayerful support of our faith communities.
We need prayerful support — for us as chaplains, for paihere (prisoners and ex-prisoners), and for chaplains in other fields, as well as for students and for those who are sick and dying. I am also aware that some people would like to assist as volunteers but are unsure what that might involve.
My own experience of paihere is all good — no, better than good. Many are desperate for change and, without realising it, are hungry for the Word of God. They need to see past the dross in their lives and recognise that they have been hungering for God for a long time.
Many who attend group services desperately want to attend more often than is possible. There are as many reasons for attending a service in prison as there are for us attending Mass — to escape the drudgery of prison life, if only for a moment; to have a decent conversation with others over a biscuit and a hot drink. But many are searching for answers to life’s big questions; many simply want to worship God and celebrate their God-given faith. Doesn’t that sound like our experience at Mass? Some have Catholic roots but struggle to find acceptance when they are released.
One volunteer once said to me that if he met these men outside prison, he would never have guessed they had been incarcerated.
Consequently, I am hoping for a faithful group to pray regularly for them — for their journey of conversion and healing while in prison, their journey after release, for their whānau, and for their victims. Life after release needs great attention and support. Change can be very difficult: we all need encouragement. Many who are desperate for change are harshly condemning of themselves and cannot see themselves in any other light. Healing and wholeness are for all. For most, it begins with forgiveness and mercy.
I am hopeful that a small group will commit themselves to prayer for those lambs carried back to the fold by Jesus himself. At some point, I hope to find the confidence to ask our faith community to walk alongside someone after their release — for a time — to help them learn and experience hope fulfilled in a new, faith-filled life!
Sean Ryan
Prison Chaplain, Whanganui Prison
As we mark this Jubilee, let us hold prisoners, their families, victims, and all who minister among them in prayer. May we be instruments of mercy and hope in a world that longs for healing.
For all those imprisoned and those affected by incarceration, that they may find the courage to seek forgiveness, healing, and transformation. May they experience the Lord’s mercy, and may society extend compassion and support to help them build new lives …
For all prisoners suffering with a sense of hopelessness, despair, and guilt. May the Lord shine His face upon them and bring them out of darkness so that they can come to a sincere, heartfelt repentance and change their lives …
For the families of prisoners, especially those struggling with pain, separation, and uncertainty. May God’s love bring them peace, strength, and hope as they support their loved ones on the path of renewal …
For all who work in the justice system, including prison staff, chaplains, and volunteers, that they may be guided by wisdom, mercy, and compassion in their roles. May they be instruments of God’s love, bringing light and hope to those in their care …
We pray to the Lord.