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goes to prison with the Ignis pastoral



Go to prison with IGNIS Pastoral Care! In this Jubilee Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for many brothers and sisters who live in difficult conditions. I think of prisoners who, deprived of their freedom, in addition to the harshness of imprisonment, experience day after day the emotional emptiness, the restrictions imposed and, in not a few cases, the lack of respect." [Pope Francis, Bull Spes non confundit, n.10]

The trip to Tires Prison was one of those signs of hope that became tangible in the lives of some of the young people who took part in this mission provided by the IGNIS Pastoral, on the 16th of February and March and the 17th of August. The moments of mission are also illuminated by the 25th chapter of St. Matthew: "I was in prison, and you came to me” and by the incredible episode of the Little Shepherds who, in Ourém prison, tell us that “the prisoners prayed with them” (Memoir of Sister Lucia, p. 52).

Three young people share their experience:

For me, going to the prison meant deconstructing any preconceived ideas I might have had about that reality. The Eucharist we led was experienced by the women we visited with intensity and a willingness to participate, and there was no fear of feeling out loud. What struck me most was realizing how much those women value freedom more than we do, and that's why they were so moved that we took the time to visit them.

Joana Silveira




For me, going to prison was an experience to be repeated. What surprised me most was the “normality” of the people. The inmates are not like we see in the movies, wearing orange jumpsuits and with an aggressive, worn-out expression. Many were well-groomed and smiled at us so much! Their gratitude was clearly visible! During the first Eucharist we led, I looked at them and all I could think about was why they were there. Nothing seemed to make sense. They looked like the people I meet in my daily life. I think they manage to live their faith in a different way to me. At least I felt I was able to bring them the hope they need!

Marisa Santos




For me, going to the prison meant experiencing the meaning and savoring the desire of Pope Francis when, on calling the Jubilee of Hope, he decided to open a holy door in a prison in Rome: it meant realizing how there, where I even thought (wrongly) that there was no hope, but only discouragement and despair, God is continually sowing the hope of a way out, of a new opportunity, of a new Easter morning in the lives of so many women. It was letting myself be looked at once again, through these women prisoners, by the Lord who shapes beyond all imperfection, and who doesn't give up on everyone. It was leaving with a firm certainty: a prison is truly a Seedbed of Hope, because there is ALWAYS hope!”

Margarida Cabeça


May the Lord give us the grace to be a sign of his love and goodness.

Sr. Bernardete, asm


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