By Father Ilie Babota
Chaplain at Mohawk Correctional Facility, Rome, NY
The prison chapel was filled with prayer and joy on the day before Ash Wednesday as Bishop Douglas J. Lucia visited Mohawk Correctional Facility to celebrate Mass and administer the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation to four men.
The visit began with a meeting between the bishop and members of the facility’s administration. Following the meeting, the bishop proceeded to the chapel, where he celebrated Mass for the men who voluntarily and regularly gather there each week to pray, hear the Gospel, and participate in the life of the Church.
A particularly joyful moment of the visit took place during the Mass, when Bishop Lucia baptized and confirmed four men who had prepared to enter the Catholic Church.
Because the visit took place on the eve of Ash Wednesday, Bishop Lucia reminded those present about the spiritual pillars of the Lenten season — prayer, fasting, and charitable works — encouraging everyone to use the coming weeks as a time of renewal, repentance, and deeper trust in God.
Over time, many of the men who attend the chapel services have shared how the Gospel and the regular celebration of Mass have impacted their lives.
One man who eventually entered the Catholic Church reflected on his journey:
“At first, I didn’t want to hear it — the Gospel. But I kept coming to Mass.” Eventually, after being baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith, he said, “Being baptized is the biggest accomplishment of my life. Now I want to serve the Lord and finally be on the right path.”
Another reflection came from a man who has since been released:
“God made a way for me. God’s working in my life through all the struggles — in and out of prison. He’s bringing me back together with my children. I have a job now. I’m doing good.”
Another man summarized his experience in simple words:
“You just gotta push through and pray to the Good Lord.”
The day was marked by joy for the men gathered in the chapel and was also deeply meaningful for the bishop, who witnessed firsthand the faith and spiritual transformation taking place through prison ministry.
The diocese is grateful to the facility’s administration for their cooperation and continued support of the chapel ministry.
