A Special Message - January 2008


Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:

I want to take a moment and share a wonderful experience I had during a rare occasion here at OCCC.

It's called "Cursillo" and it's basically a catholic retreat to learn more about yourself and the Lord Jesus Christ. It was from January 10-13, 2008 and was the 389th Cursillo and 18th ever held in a prison in Mass. The entire event was orchestrated by Father Martin of St. Basil's in Methuen, MA and over 40 volunteers came with him to the prison to donate their time, love, and energy. I wish there was a way I could express the love I felt from all of them, but you really had to be there.

Some of the subjects we covered were: 1) Divine Life; the love of God will always change a person for good. 2) Laity; the lay people of the church are a gift that includes everyone. 3) Faith; our response to God's call. 4) Palanca; which is your prayer and sacrifice for other. 5) Piety; your relationship with God. 6) Study; knowing God more intimately through his word. 7) Sacrament; A personal encounter with Jesus in a life changing way. 8) Action; allowing Jesus to work through us. 9) Obstacles of Grace; things that we are called to do but don't. 10) Leaders; Everyone can be a leader. 11) Environment; people, places and things you find yourself dealing with every day. 12) Community; understanding the major impact community has no matter where we are; 13) Group Reunion; which is a group of people who have done Cursillo Gathering together and letting the Holy Spirit move.

As you can see, there was quite a few issues we discussed and a lot of participation with each subject. This included drawing posters, singing songs, taking notes, group discussions, group healing prayer, reading of scriptures, and individually speaking. In return we received many beautiful posters, cards, and letters from many outsiders. Can you believe 4th and 5th graders gave us personal Christmas cards and letters. I waited to read mine back in my cell because I knew the tears were going to start flowing.

Plus, there were several gospel readings we discussed such as Luke 15: 11-32 which talks about the prodigal son, but we looked at it from a different perspective (the merciful Father) and Matthew 18: 10-14 the parable of the lost sheep, and the one I read to everyone Mark 12: 28-34 the two great commandments. But the story that touched me the most was Luke 5: 17-26 when Jesus heals the paralytic. What I never realized before was how determined the "friends" of the paralyzed man were. They knew without a doubt that they had to get him into the house and before Jesus so he could be healed. Unfortunately, the house was overcrowded and they could not get the man inside. But the friends were so determined that they literally carried the paralyzed man up on the roof with his bed mat or stretcher and tore apart the roof which obviously wasn't like new construction today, so you know pieces of mud, stray and clay tiles were falling in on everyone including Jesus. Then somehow, they lowered him through the hole so he could be placed in front of Jesus. This act of true determination impresses Jesus so much that he heals the man.

What's interesting is nowhere does it mention that the paralyzed man wanted or believed he could be healed; it's basically assumed. However, Jesus says he sees "their" faith and therefore heals the man. This strongly implies it was the faith of (the friends) who convinced Jesus. Either way, the story is incredibly powerful.

Why did this touch me so much? Well--for me, I compared the story with my situation and how I feel paralyzed being in prison. But all of you "my friends" are determined to help me receive my freedom. It made me see how blessed I am to have all of you in my life.

The day ended with all the visitors, volunteers, priests, deacons and the 42 Cursillo candidates heading to the gymnasium for the graduation or closing ceremony. Never before has the prison allowed outside visitors in that part of the building. They lockdowned the entire prison to accommodate us. During the ceremony (where we received a beautiful crucifix) we had to speak in front of 150 people behind a podium with a microphone and answer a simple question: "Who is Jesus Christ to me after this weekend?"

When they called my name, I headed to the podium while simultaneously hearing all the clapping and cheers from everyone. It was quite exhilarating to say the least. I started introducing myself and my team (Saint Juan Diego table) and then thanking my sponsor for letting God work through him and seeing in me to be chosen for this wonderful experience. I then shared with everyone that although I had a deep relationship with God before this event, after being sent to prison my relationship with God became strained. I then repeated the question: Who is Jesus Christ to me after this weekend? I said "He is the loving spirit that has given me hope to believe again and a simple reminder that he has never forsaken me. Thank you and God bless!"

In closing I received one other important (special) blessing. Father martin of St. Basil's goes to Africa every year to work with he Sisters of Mother Teresa. I asked him he ever met or talked with Mother Teresa. He said. "Yes, three times and she was as beautiful of a person as you have heard about." So now, I feel even closer to Mother Teresa which helped me immensely.

Thank you for listening to my experience. I hope everyone realizes how grateful I am to have "true friends."


Love and light to all,

Michael