Weekly mass and other pastoral services for Christians in detention

Presence can be a sign. That a free person chooses willingly and faithfully to accompany those who are not free, who had no choice about being there, is itself a sign, a way of eliciting hope. Our accompaniment affirms that God is present in human history, even its most tragic episodes. (Mark Raper SJ, Pastoral accompaniment among refugees: The JRS experience 1998)

For many immigrants in detention, faith is a vital source of hope and strength during an excruciatingly painful time.

Thanks to the committed service of some Jesuit priests, who visit the centres on a voluntary basis, JRS organises Sunday mass in five detention centres: Hermes Block and the Tent Compound in Lyster Barracks; and C Block, Warehouse 1 and Warehouse 2 in Safi Barracks. 

Besides, JRS meets many requests for bibles, rosary beads and other material, which detainees use both for bible study groups and prayer services they organise, as well as for personal prayer.

We would like to be able to expand this service because it makes a big difference to many detainees. If you would like to know more about how you can contribute, click on the link below to see how you can help.

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