This
networking was begun on the initiative of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl
itself, who proposed
to the Master of the
Order the creation of a network amongst
all
Dominicans
working in
the field
of prisoner
assistance and support. Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl had talked the project
over with Fr João Xerri OP, the Assistant of the Master
of the Order for Justice and Peace, in July 2002. Accepting the
proposal, Fr Xerri sounded the idea amongst various Dominicans
involved in prison ministry, and received an enthusiastic response.
The logistics of the project were discussed between Mid-Dlam
ghad-Dawl and Fr Xerri in June 2003.
The Dominicans have been active in the prison
ministry from the very beginning of their religious order in
the 13th century.
The founder himself, St Dominic, regularly visited prisoners
in Rome. So did St Catherine of Siena in the north of Italy. The
esteemed
title “Apostle of the Prisons” is bestowed upon a
French Dominican, Jean-Joseph Lataste. Today a considerable number
of
Dominicans – priests, nuns and lay people – continue
this long tradition. VISION
To build up an active worldwide network of solidarity amongst
all Dominicans working in the prison ministry for the promotion
of
justice and peace.
MISSION
That all Dominicans working in the prison ministry around the
world may be enriched by supporting each other, sharing
their experiences,
exchanging information, deepening their common spirituality,
and promoting justice and peace.
STRATEGY 1. Initial contact shall be through the Internet. 2. Later a general meeting shall be organised to plan further
ahead and set specific objectives.
The project is not intended to "dominicanize"
the work that is currently being done in individual countries.
Rather, its main scope is to create a network of support and sharing.
TACTICS
1. The Commission assisting
the Master of the Order for Justice and Peace, currently made up
of Fr João Xerri OP and Sr Margaret Ormond OP, shall formally
designate
a person or entity to
organise
the necessary work for the setting up of the network.
2. An exhaustive compilation shall
be made of email and/or other addresses of Dominicans working
in the prison ministry
through the respective offices of Provincials
around the world.
3. A meeting shall be organised
by the Order on an international level amongst Dominicans
working
in
the prison ministry,
and preferably with the participation of ex-convicts.
The meeting
shall have as
its object the development of the network,
and the planning of further activity.
DEVELOPMENT
At the present moment, the project is in the process
of being approved by the Master of the Order and the Mother Superior
of the Dominican Sisters.
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