“It’s not about religion – it’s about supporting their relationship with God.”
This sentiment is shared by former school principal Br Cyril Bosco and actuary-turned-theologian Richard Korkor: two prison chaplains who work in the Diocese of Parramatta.
There are a total of three religious and two lay Catholic chaplains in the Diocese who provide pastoral care and support to inmates across six correctional facilities in Western Sydney. There is also a chaplain for police.
The role of these chaplains is vital in bringing peace to prison inmates. Their mission is to help inmates recognise and become closer to God in their lives. And it’s not just Catholic inmates who benefit from this support.
“Where else would you celebrate a liturgy and see Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Muslims, atheists, Hindus and other faiths humbly shaking hands as a sign of peace. It’s beautiful,” Richard says.
“And they’re not just shaking hands; they’re hugging too.”
Prison chaplains are in high demand in the region. Richard has been a chaplain at Parklea Correctional Centre for the last four years. He doesn’t ask inmates about their religion, crimes, or the legal aspects of their case. He just listens.
Br Cyril Bosco, outside John Moroney Correctional Centre. Image: Belinda Gadd/Diocese of Parramatta
“I can’t overstress the value of deep listening,” he says.
Parklea is both a maximum-security remand centre, which holds around 1100 inmates, as well as housing around 150 inmates in a minimum-security section. Richard provides a daily meditation and liturgy service and listens to inmates as they share their personal struggles.
“Some of the boys in here have never had a person to talk to their whole lives. They’re so ashamed,” Richard says.
“But I always listen to their story – and then I go deeper.”
Richard says when inmates are offered the opportunity to safely delve into their story without judgment or fear it is incredibly healing for them.
“You can see how their past issues were never dealt with, and if trauma isn’t transformed it’s transmitted,” he says.
“When they reveal their past trauma and long-held pain, you can feel God’s presence in the room.
“It’s a privilege to be there in that moment.”
Integrated within a dense residential environment, the Parklea facility is abuzz with daily visitors each day, including women and children.
This activity in Parklea was in stark contrast to the quieter atmosphere at John Morony Correctional Centre: a medium-security remand facility in the Francis Greenway Complex in Berkshire Park: a more rural setting located just south of Windsor.
Lay Catholic chaplain Richard Korkor at Parklea Correctional Centre. Image: Belinda Gadd/ Diocese of Parramatta
For eight years, Br Cyril Bosco has woken at 4.30am daily to set out and minister to around 420 inmates at the facility.
Br Cyril provides three chapel services a week and two Sunday services each month, working with a lay assistant and support staff. He also supports inmates during bereavement and oversees the Kairos and Prisoner’s Journey programs to foster a Christian community inside the prison. He also provides support to staff in their roles within the facility.
“It’s not hard work – just constant,” he says, adding that inmates need to be willing to work on their relationship with God.
John Morony also receives support from the local parish, St Monica’s in Richmond, through its social justice outreach group of volunteers.
“They conducted a clothing drive to support prisoners on release, among other initiatives,” Br Cyril said.
Wooden rosaries received by prisoners at the Holy Thursday prison Mass 2021. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Br Cyril says the gratitude from inmates is profound, and there are signs of heart among the hardness of prison life.
“When I interact with an inmate, I always look for the ‘God spark’ in them,” he says.
However, without recognising God in their lives, inmates can and do return to prison after being released. An inmate who had recently returned to the facility told him:
“When I was released, I left God at the gate.”
“I thought I could do it on my own. I can’t,” the prisoner said,
Br Cyril reflects on those detained in the facility, including many young men.
“I had a 19-year-old ask me: ‘When am I going to know my purpose in life?’”
This is why Br Cyril continues his ministry.
“I remind them that there is a higher power at work in our lives.”
Christmas can be a difficult time for inmates without families, and some re-enter prison for “family and shelter”.
While initiatives like the Angel Tree Program provide hope at Christmas by providing gifts to the children of inmates to bring some joy, Br Cyril wants anyone who is struggling with trauma, addiction, grief, financial issues or other challenges to accept the gift of courage to seek help.
“The Bible says ‘Do not be afraid’ almost 150 times!” he says.
“We are all prone to wrongdoing. There’s not much difference between an inmate and a non-inmate.
“Catholic chaplaincy has brought me closer to the human condition,” he says.
“It has provided a window to see God’s intervention in the lives of others.”
One of Margaret’s many lovingly crafted Christmas cards for inmates. Image: supplied
Cards for compassion
Each year, local parishioner Margaret* makes hundreds of Christmas cards for inmates at prisons in Western Sydney. She has more than 200 cards in this year’s batch alone. She even personalises them where she can, based on the thank you notes she receives each year.
Margaret hopes the Christmas cards will bring hope, peace and joy at a difficult time of year.
“Perhaps my little contribution will inspire others to think of ways they can be of help to those who are cut off from society.
‘It gives them a sense of worth, knowing someone has cared enough to give,” she says.
* Identity withheld for privacy.
A thank you note from inmates to St Monica’s Parish, Richmond. Image: supplied
This article was originally published in the 2024 Advent & Christmas | Summer edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
