Focusing on Jesus and hope beyond the prison
Easter 2025 brought profound spiritual meaning and joy to inmates across nine prisons within the Diocese of Penang. May 23, 2025
Msgr Henry Rajoo with the faith sharers and Deputy Director of Penjara Seberang Jaya after the Easter celebration at Jawi Prison.
By Chan Lilian Easter 2025 brought profound spiritual meaning and joy to inmates across nine prisons within the Diocese of Penang. For the first time in several facilities, the celebrations included not only Mass and Confession, but also the deeply moving and humbling ritual of the washing of feet. This powerful gesture brought many to tears, stirring hearts in unexpected and transformative ways.At Jawi Prison, Msgr Henry Rajoo, accompanied by ten faith sharers from the Penang Diocesan Prison Ministry (PDPM), led a heartfelt Easter celebration. The inmates — referred to as prospects — were visibly moved during the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as hymns of repentance resonated through the hall. Many were especially touched by the song As I Have Done for You, a powerful reminder of Jesus' boundless love and compassion.Before the washing of the feet, a PDPM faith sharer explained in Bahasa Malaysia: We are here today to remember the final days of Jesus Christ. When the priest washes your feet, remember that Jesus also knelt to wash His disciples' feet in love and humility. God loves you that much. So, pray for strength and hope — not only for yourselves but for your families too.'Msgr Henry delivered his homily in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil, ensuring every one of the fifty Christian and Catholic inmates could fully receive the message. His words of hope rang clear and true: 'If you focus only on your struggles, nothing changes. But if you focus on Jesus, everything changes. Jesus gives you a new beginning. He was crucified but is risen. He is our Hope — and hope does not disappoint.'The Easter celebration concluded with a joyful rendition of Yesus Bangkit Soraklah and a warm 'Easter Share-A-Meal' with the inmates. They were treated to a delicious spread of nasi tomato, ayam masak merah, traditional kuih, and more — generously provided by the Penang Diocesan Prison Ministry (PDPM).Adding a special touch, lovingly handcrafted herbal soaps from the Church of the Risen Christ, the Church of St Anthony in Nibong Tebal, and the Chinese CEC children of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit were presented to prison officials for the inmates' use.Easter Masses were also celebrated throughout April and May in several other facilities, including:Taiping Prison (Perak); Kamunting Prison (Perak); Arau Correction Centre (Perlis); Tapah Prison (Perak); Penang Remand Prison; Batu Gajah Prison (Perak); SP Juvenile Prison (Kedah); Alor Setar Prison (Kedah), and Pokok Sena Prison (Kedah).For the past ten years, the Penang Diocesan Prison Ministry (PDPM) has journeyed weekly with inmates across Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak — bringing the light of Christ into places often marked by darkness. Having celebrated their 10th anniversary in June 2024, the ministry is now preparing for the Jubilee of Prisoners in November 2025, trusting in the Lord to continue guiding their mission of love, healing, and transformation.
PDPM extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian Prison Department for its support and collaboration in making the Easter celebrations possible. Together, they remain steadfast in their commitment to walk alongside inmates, offering hope, dignity, and the promise of a life beyond the bars.
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