Bishop Earl Fernandes visited inmates at the Franklin Medical Center (FMC) on Friday, March 6.
It was his first visit to the FMC, which provides inpatient medical services to incarcerated adult-patients needing intensive skilled medical and nursing care.
The bishop was joined by Father Joseph Thomas, parochial vicar at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral and Holy Cross parish, who serves as chaplain at the FMC.
The facility includes three medical units. Two units house patients with short-term medical needs, and an additional unit provides specialized care for patients with long-term needs and physical disabilities.
On the third Friday of Lent, Bishop Fernandes celebrated Mass for the sick housed at the facility. About 20 inmate-patients attended.
Several actively participated in the Mass. The incarcerated served as lectors and brought gifts of bread and wine to the altar for consecration as the Body and Blood of Christ.
Following the celebration of Mass, Bishop Fernandes visited with those suffering various illnesses at the facility. He conferred the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick on those in serious need.
Members of the Order of Malta’s prison ministry were also present. The Order of Malta is a centuries-old lay religious order in the Church committed to serving the poor and sick.
Local members of the order also ministered to patients during their visit at the FMC.
In his homily, the bishop spoke directly to the inmates. It is day of rejoicing, Bishop Fernandes said, because the Lord is present among them.
“Open your hearts to the power of Christ,” he encouraged. “He knows what’s in your hearts, and if there’s darkness, He brings His light; if there’s hurt, He brings His mercy; if there’s woundedness, He brings His healing; if there’s rejection, He reminds you that you are not alone.
“You are sons and daughters of God. No one of us is perfect, but God can see your goodness. Can you see it? Can you see the power of God’s work in your lives?”
Bishop Earl Fernandes
Bishop Fernandes reminded the faithful that the Kingdom of God will be given to those who produce fruit. Even in the confines of prison walls and amid sickness, individuals can be fruitful.
“That begins today,” the bishop affirmed, “and it can only begin when Christ becomes the cornerstone of your life.”
