On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Earl Fernandes visited Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster to offer Mass in the chapel for several dozen incarcerated men and staff members.
Bishop Fernandes had previously visited the facility to celebrate Mass on Jan. 8, 2024.
In addition to Mass, the bishop heard confessions, visited with the men and blessed religious objects.
Several hours later, Bishop Fernandes celebrated another Mass on the holy day at Lancaster Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Dalton Snell, one of the incarcerated individuals, said he appreciated the opportunity to receive the sacraments from the bishop.
“It’s very important,” he said, “this person who is a very reputable person coming and taking his precious time to show us love and kindness — and also the bishop’s charism, you know there is an actual power to his office that Christ has given.
“And he’s sharing that with us, so he elevates us into a higher form of divinity. It’s very good.”
Snell said receiving the sacraments and sacramentals mean a great deal to himself and others.
“It’s very important,” he said. “The sacraments are life. And without the bread of life, there is no life. I truly believe that.”
He’s also appreciative of the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation while in prison.
“For myself, it’s completely lightened my conscience,” he said. “I remember the first time I took confession here I did experience something like a psychological revival. I actually felt like 30 years of grace that my conscience was alleviated.”
He explained that some of the individuals get together in the dorm for communal prayer that includes the Liturgy of the Hours.
“The participation in communal prayer and worship, it fosters camaraderie and brotherhood and it’s absolutely instrumental for all walks of life, whether you’re incarcerated or not,” he said.
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