Moments of Transformation from Our Second Day of Prayer for Our Incarcerated Brothers and Sisters
On March 12, 2023, Thrive For Life hosted its second retreat for families impacted by incarceration at the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Corona, NY. This year, staff and volunteers gathered with families and individuals who have experienced the challenges of having a loved one behind bars, providing them with an opportunity to connect, heal, and find support in a safe and nurturing environment.
The day began with a warm welcome from the Thrive For Life team and an introduction that emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to support one another through the challenges and tribulations of having a loved one behind the walls. Throughout the day, participants engaged in various activities designed to foster connection, empathy, and understanding.
During the retreat, participants had the opportunity to hear from Robert, one of our newest resident scholars at Ignacio House. Robert shared his own personal story of transformation and redemption after having spent well over two decades behind the walls in the California state prison system, which included ten years in solitary confinement. In a moving chronicle of his own journey, he offered valuable insights and advice to family members, encouraging them to stay hopeful and maintain strong connections with their incarcerated loved ones. In addition to Robert’s testimonial, retreatants shared their own stories of loved ones behind the walls, creating a powerful moment of community building and hope for everyone gathered. In perhaps the most moving moment of the retreat, family members came forward one by one to ask the larger community to pray for a loved one behind the walls. As each person came forward, the group formed a healing circle around the perimeter of the room to pray together in silence and reflection for our brothers and sisters behind the walls. This emotional ceremony served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of families affected by incarceration and their unwavering commitment to supporting one another.
As the day came to a close, participants gathered for a closing Mass to honor and remember their incarcerated loved ones. We were exceptionally blessed to welcome Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn who presided over the Eucharist. In his homily, His Grace reminded the congregation that Christ’s grace is boundless and touches each and every person, including those behind the walls.
Our second Day of Prayer for Our Incarcerated Brothers and Sisters was a resounding success, leaving the community feeling uplifted, connected, and empowered to face the challenges ahead. Thrive For Life plans to host more retreats in the future to continue supporting families impacted by incarceration and fostering moments of transformation and healing.
Special thanks are owed to Pablo Jimenez and all of our volunteers, staff, and mentors who generously offered their time and talents to facilitate the retreat. We are also tremendously grateful to His Grace, Bishop Brennan, for taking time out of his schedule to be with our families on this incredible day of hope and transformation. Finally, in a special way we give thanks for Fr. Manuel and the entire faith community at Our Lady of Sorrows in Corona, NY for their hospitality and support.