The Sisters of the Good Shepherd of Divine Providence are making impactful strides in Poland’s Krzywaniec Prison by providing both spiritual and practical support to incarcerated women. This collaborative effort aims to empower detainees and instill a sense of hope for their future.
As part of their commitment to aiding women facing hardships, the Congregation has established a series of resocialization activities within the prison. “Our meetings began in April, and we facilitate both group and individual sessions focused on set themes,” shared Sr. Krzysztofa Kujawska in an interview with Vatican News.
Resocialization and Spiritual Formation
The Sisters conduct regular classes for two separate groups of women. The initiative focuses not only on spiritual growth but also aims at practical reintegration into society after imprisonment, including assistance with housing and employment opportunities. “Women can live with us, seek jobs, and receive psychological support,” noted Sr. Krzysztofa.
A Welcoming Environment
Importantly, the Sisters do not operate traditional shelters; rather, they invite the women into their religious homes once their sentences are completed. “If any of them wish to stay with us, they can do so for as long as they like. Our doors remain open, as this is part of our charism,” explained Sr. Krzysztofa.
In addition to direct support, the Sisters contribute by delivering parcels and mail to the women, always in coordination with prison authorities. This outreach helps bridge the gap between detainees and their families, which can often become strained during incarceration.
Staying True to Their Mission
Following in the footsteps of Blessed Maria Karłowska, the Foundress of the Congregation, the Sisters focus on providing hope to women in marginalized positions. “Our work in prisons is about restoring dignity and fostering hope that lives can improve,” Sr. Krzysztofa emphasized. The Sisters strive to treat the detainees as valued members of the community, which fosters trust and encourages them to engage in parish and community activities.
Sr. Krzysztofa remarked that many of the women show signs of not feeling imprisoned, which highlights the positive impact of their approach.
Building Trust and Ensuring Support
The foundation of the Sisters’ efforts lies in establishing trust through consistent visits and conversations. Sr. Krzysztofa stated, “It’s essential to listen to the women; they dictate the terms of our interaction and when to proceed with further assistance.” During her first visit, she noted that the incarcerated women were hesitant but eventually expressed interest in future meetings, showing that rapport was being built.
The Sisters are looking to broaden their outreach to additional prisons in Poland, building on prior experiences, such as their engagement with a prison in Grudziądz during the 1990s. Several women from that prison successfully transitioned to living in the Sisters’ homes post-sentencing.
