Deacon Tom Anthony

One of the most important things that we all can remember regarding our Journey of Faith is to experience each step and how if affects us spiritually. Life must be contemplated and enjoyed to its fullest with Jesus Christ at its center if we are truly going to be happy. We should engage in prayer frequently and reflect with God on where we have been and where we are going. Through this exercise we will be able to trace our own spiritual growth. The milestones will be evident as we live out the Religious Calendar of the Church and compare how our experience from the previous year was different than the current one.

This year, I was privileged to celebrate Holy Week at MCI Concord Prison for a second time. I have now become more familiar with the community and can document more fully the impact that Christ has had on many of the inmates’ lives. I have been here for a 14 months now. This is an important time frame because it enables me to trace the spiritual growth of the community and myself. Last year I was introducing many new ideas and concepts. It was difficult doing things in a prison for the first time but it became a shared experience. As in any ministry, what was given was returned threefold. My faith-life was invigorated. I couldn't even imagine the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that were given to me just for doing what God wanted me to do. I was lifted up with those around me and we became Brothers and Sisters through Jesus Christ. Yes, there were many challenges but they were good challenges that always had a positive outcome through the workings of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The experience of Holy Week was a testament to Jesus Christ and our faith. Each moment was savored by all involved. In one of the most desolate places imaginable the Light of Christ shined so brightly. The inmates revealed that one of the greatest advantages of being in a prison environment for Holy Week was the fact that all of their energy and time could be concentrated on their faith without any other distractions. Passion Sunday lasted over 6 hours! Stations of the Cross and Mid-day prayer was an event that was savored. There were tears during the Holy Thursday Mass as a beloved priest of theirs washed their feet. We began the Good Friday Service at 1:00 pm. When the Three O' Clock Hour came and it was announced, “My Brothers, Our Lord Savior Jesus Christ has died,” the inmates fell to their knees and began to cry. The Holy Spirit Moved them and they lived The Passion.

Easter Vigil was the pinnacle event. Attendance records were set. One Catechumen came forward to be baptized and four Candidates came forward for full membership into the Church. Many inmates spoke about the Spirit moving them and even was given the gift of tongues (he started to understand Portuguese).

Yes, this was a special Holy Week. It was a transforming experience. To witness those who only have their faith is a gift from God that challenges all of us to become like them. They are the ones that teach us how meaningful the experience of living the Passion of the Christ then being Resurrected with him can be. For this I have them to thank from the bottom of my heart.

Deacon Tom