Christ's Merciful Gaze: Catholic Prison Ministry and the Transformation of Kenya's Correctional Communities
Abstract
This paper examines Catholic prison ministry within Kenya's correctional facilities through the lens of Catholic social teaching, sacramental theology, and the Church's preferential option for the poor and marginalized. Drawing upon papal encyclicals, conciliar documents, and the rich tradition of Catholic prison chaplaincy, this study explores how Christ's merciful gaze, mediated through the Church's sacramental life and pastoral presence, transforms both individuals and correctional communities. The research demonstrates that Catholic prison ministry, grounded in the theology of human dignity and divine mercy, creates encounters with Christ that restore hope, facilitate authentic conversion, and strengthen the bonds of Christian community. The findings offer theological insights for diocesan pastoral planning while providing practical recommendations for bishops, parish communities, and correctional institutions committed to Catholic approaches to restorative justice in the Kenyan context.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Leonard Juma Wafula , Margaret Nanjala Matisi
"Christ's Merciful Gaze: Catholic Prison Ministry and the Transformation of Kenya's Correctional Communities" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 3 2025 Page 77-81
IEEE:
Leonard Juma Wafula , Margaret Nanjala Matisi
"Christ's Merciful Gaze: Catholic Prison Ministry and the Transformation of Kenya's Correctional Communities" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(3)
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