Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Fides Service)- “In the prisons of Nairobi the miracle of the Eucharist reawakens the faith” said Italian Consolata missionary Fr Eugenio Ferrari, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya. “Thanks to the prison authorities I was able to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist even inside penitentiaries” said Fr. Eugenio. “I visited the inmates in every sector, on death row, awaiting trial, in isolation and in the infirmary and all said they would appreciate a visit to the Blessed Sacrament”.
“In each prison we have built up a few Christian communities looked after by myself and two catechists. This certainly helped to make my suggestion well accepted, but the enthusiasm and devotion with which the Blessed Sacrament was welcomed was beyond all expectation”, the missionary said
F. Eugenio explained: “I visit each cell quietly for a talk and to hear confession if asked. When all the cells have been visited the prisoners are free to visit the chapel if they want to. Usually about 200 come to adore the Blessed Sacrament, this is followed by Mass and a procession with the Blessed Sacrament in the prison courtyard”.
“In the courtyard the Eucharist is visible for all, even those who are unable to take part in the procession or do not want to see it from the windows and so do the prison guards. Everyone shows profound respect for the celebration and many who had lost the faith asked for Christian instruction and want to start a new life of faith” the missionary said. “I am also deeply grateful to a group of women from the parish who come with me on prison visits”.
“We are marking the missionary month in prisons Nairobi too with special prayers for the missionary Churches and the work of missionaries. On Sunday 23 October the prisoners are looking forward to joining the around the customary world prayer for mission from 9am to 10am ” said Fr. Eugenio.
“We have celebrated the Year of the Eucharist in Consolata parish Nairobi with various initiatives including a Eucharistic Week of prayer 24 hours a day. People took it in turns to keep watch with enthusiasm and devotion, men and women, young and old” the missionary said. “We will close the Year of the Eucharist on Sunday 30 preceded by three days of adoration”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/10/2005 righe 32 parole 402)
