Hopeward Bound

The following is a letter from Louie Vitale, another prison of conscience in protest of the SOA. Chris' legal advocate Bob forwarded it to me. It's very touching so I am going to print it and send it to Chris and also post it here for all of you.
-----------------------------------------------------------

To Louie's Family and Friends: We just received this letter from Louie, who will complete his six month prison sentence at Lompoc on Friday, May 20, 2011. He'll return to the Bay Area that weekend.

'Hopeward' Bound (May 1, 2011)

When I came here last year it was time for the U.S. Census. They instructed us to write in for home address "Lompoc Prison." Quite a number of inmates balked at this: "This is not my home." It has given me some thought. Yes, we must put on our return label "Federal Prison" and all phone calls insert messages to the callee that this call is from a Federal Prison.

But in many ways it is a home when we are here. We may not think of it with the familiarity of home. In fact I do find a lot of life here. There are times when I feel a conviviality that is welcome and even enjoyable. There is a lot of humor. Further there are a great number of times we see inmates pushing wheel chairs for others or in many ways assisting the infirmed, handicapped and aging. Residents make friendships and partners in various activities, meals, music, sports, games, even work projects. I shall miss these friends, companions, neighbors (bunkies).

For me the Chapel is a second home. I feel close to God there, participate enthusiastically in religious services, Bible Study, the sharing of our lives, a place to go for quiet, peace, prayer or to direct others who might need toiletries, shower shoes and such on arrival and most of all a warm welcome. We often give special attention to prayers for the inmates or members of their families in sickness or even in death. For most of us this locates our Faith community, perhaps for many the first they have had in many years.

In addition I am able to continue sharing our concerns about the School of the Americas, Nuclear weapons, especially from the adjacent Vandenberg Air Force Base. We witness the test launches of I.C.B.M. missiles, and most recently of gigantic "classified reconnaissance satellites" into space, which some see as an initial step in Space War.

These observances, as well as CNN news of Japan, Libya, etc., are shared together and offered as concern for prayer. At the same time we note a searching eye for HOPE. As Pope Benedict expressed in his encyclical on Hope...we need a reference beyond the immediate time and place...We need to base our hope on a benign creation that goes on long beyond our earthly struggle...

Jesus noted that this "kingdom" is already in our midst. We experience daily the compassionate love of our creator in our daily lives. For me this is almost palpable here, both in life with others, at the Chapel and in prayer. Our Gospel message challenges us to look beyond these fences and see the goodness, even of our neighbors, the beauty around us, esp. in the universe, to know there is still love, life, beauty available to us in this world and "the next."

I am happy sharing this journey with my companions here, and with those who have been offering me support in love and prayers. I am happy and most grateful. Please keep praying for my "home mates" even after my departure.....

With much Love and many Blessings.

I'M HOPEWARD BOUND,

LOUIE