Fr. Bob Cushing in GA visited Chris in prison on Thursday. We love Fr. Bob! He has been doing prison ministry for over 30 years and is a former prisoner of conscience himself. Read his update on Chris.
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Dear Anne and friends:
Things went pretty much as usual at the Irwin County Detention Center today for my visit with Chris Spicer.
I was delayed when leaving my office by checking my e-mail. Thank God I did because I got the good news of the support system [earlier e-mail below] that Anne Tropeano has developed for Chris. It has been my experience that, when there is one dedicated friend or family member who fulfills the role of "Anchorwoman" or communications central for the prisoner of conscience, then life support systems seem to blossom in various ways and the person in jail time can focus their ministry and witness while everyone on the outside remains in prayerful solidarity with a focus that makes the world change. At least I would say that we are transformed by the process, and my experience has been that the incarcerated friend becomes a light shining in the darkness for many others in and outside the penal system.
Chris was waiting for me when I arrived in the interview room. This is the first place I have ever visited where they do not allow me, as a priest/chaplain, access to my people, to give them Holy Communion and the touch of the sacraments. As we picked up the telephones to speak to one another through the thick plastic glass booth wall, Chris looked a little skinny in the prison jump suit, but his face was focused, his smile was at ease and eyes were clear. When I asked how he was doing he said quite confidently that he felt emotionally grounded and content. The gift he is enjoying the most is his prayer group with guys in the dorm. He said the bible study that he is doing with the guys has been exciting for him, and just hearing the stories of the men who are being held by ICE. They are so depressed with their lives so out of control. He is glad for his fluency in Spanish and his ability to bring some humble comforts to these brothers.
His prayers and concerns are focused on being in solidarity with the work of Witness Against Torture and the suffering endured by those still incarcerated at the Guantanamo Prison. He feels like he is learning much about the heart of solidarity. His only "stress" is his own need to be productive, and today also was in anticipating a letter from Anne. He was miffed that the locals sent his medications back to the US Marshall - something about a letter that was still needed. We enjoyed sharing stories about how we have both resolved not to be discouraged by the long and slow development of the church. Rather we just need to move ahead with the Spirit.
Tomorrow I will drive back to Ocilla to visit Nancy Smith and chat with the Captain about being able to possibly bring them the Eucharist. Although I didn't get far in that argument today, just like with Louie, the Captain agreed to take in a simple missalette with the readings and prayers so that Chris might have a liturgical sense of time. One must be content with tiny victories.
As we have seen in the past, this is only a holding station for them. They could be there for another few weeks or be gone tomorrow. Louie and Michael David went from here to Atlanta, so that's a probable bet. We take things tentatively with them. To set up a phone connection is a bit arduous but you can do so by calling 800.844.6591 and pay $25 minimum via credit card, western union, or from your check book, then $6.95 for a processing fee, or do it all online at www.inmatecallsolutions.com where they lead you through the various steps (takes a while). And there are other means as well.
Thank you all who are part of this network of support. The government seems to want to make this as difficult as possible and to isolate us; but our game plan is communion, solidarity, and to always "Give'm Heaven!"
Each of us is doing his/her part, for we are one!
Blessings of peace,
Bob Cushing
St. Theresa Catholic Church
Cordele, GA
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