Prisoners' Sunday Mass at St George’s
Canon Victor Darlington celebrates Mass at St George’s Cathedral for Prisoners Sunday
Prisoners’ Sunday, a day dedicated to inmates and their families, Canon Victor Darlington said is a day where we “need to open our hearts, as Christ himself did” and show “love for those who society forgets”.
Drawing on the words of the Lord Jesus, Canon Victor said we are called to compassion and to step beyond ourselves so we all embrace a “life of racial love and compassion”. Canon Victor said:
“Jesus said, ‘when I was in prison you came to visit me’. These words remind us that Christ himself is present in those who are isolated, marginalised and behind prison bars”.
The Episcopal Vicar for the South East Area, added:
“Our Lord does not just ask us to think kindly on those who are suffering. He calls us to actively go out to meet them with love, concern and solidarity.”
Canon Victor also drew on his experience celebrating the Easter and Christmas Masses at Brixton and Belmarsh prisons. He said:
“In those moments, as I stand at the altar with these men who carry heavy burdens, many of them estranged from their families, struggling with guilt or battling addictions, I feel the presence of God in a very profound way.”
Canon Victor explained that it is in celebrating Mass in prison that he is always “reminded of the power of Christ’s message of love and forgiveness”. He said “the joy, the hope and the grace that fill” the Mass during these moments are “nothing short of transformative. These men, often unseen by the world, are deeply touched by the love of God.”
PACT is a leading Catholic charity prisons, who have been helping people in need for 125 years – including supporting prisoners, their families and their children. To support their work and find out more, head to the website.
