What was this project?
In collaboration with the icon artist, I created this prayer card in response to the need for prayer resources for prison, jail, and detention ministers. Sitting with the needs of ministers and the imperative for educating people of faith about those impacted by incarceration, I took to prayer and reflection. At the same time Jack Pachuta – the iconographer – reached out offering the use of his work for the ministry of the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition. After a few conversations with Jack and some feedback, I designed, produced, and authored “Mary, Mother of Captives”. Mary is the model of how we can live out our lives in contemplative action, mirroring Christ. You can find the full prayer card here. The prayer is also posted below.
What was involved?
This project involved listening intently to a community of ministers and to the educational and catechetical needs of the larger church community. Additionally, it involved artistic collaboration, relationship & trust building, graphic design, authorship, critical feedback implementation, and vulnerability.
The Prayer
Mary, Mother of Captives
Your Son came to proclaim liberty
Soften our captive hearts
Hardened by distrust & judgement
Give us grace to see the dignity of all
The captives, the captors, the survivors, the families
By your example, teach us to be gentle
Show us how to be restorers of peace & wholeness
By your example, teach us the power & disruption of “yes”
Show us how to challenge injustice & apathy
By your example, teach us the gift of persistent patience
Show us how to listen to the unheard, the guilty, the innocent, the forgotten
Mother of Captives
Inspire us, move us, be with us.
Amen.
© Jarrod Kinkley
