It is not everyday that the inmates of Scotland’s largest and most notorious prison are presented with freshly cut roses.
But when the relics of a saint are taken into HMP Barlinnie, usual conventions no longer apply.
The remains of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux have been touring Scotland since August and were yesterday welcomed to the Glasgow prison by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia who led a mass for prisoners and staff.
Around 90 inmates in their blue and red t-shirts filed into the prison’s chapel for the service celebrating the saint, who is the patroness of prisoners.
The Archbishop explained that Saint Thérèse, who was canonised in 1925, was known for her “little way to holiness” - performing small acts of kindness everyday rather than making grand gestures.
He told the prisoners that they too could follow her example and show kindness in small ways while they are imprisoned.
“It struck me that this ‘little way spirituality’ was a good spirituality for prisoners to follow,” he said.
“Prisoners are confined. They cannot do big things or make grand gestures. We can, however, all do little things, little acts of goodness here and there throughout the day that in the end make a big difference.”
Raising a few smiles as he told worshippers that he had never been to prison, he added: “Prison life is not easy; you could offer up to God your hardships and sufferings for the sake of your fellow prisoners.
“You could say a kind word rather than a harsh one. You could make more of the opportunities that you are given to prepare for life on the outside. You will know better than I what opportunities daily life in prison gives you for such a ‘little way’.”
Born Thérèse Martin in 1873, St Thérèse became a Carmelite Sister at the age of just 15 after asking the Pope for permission.
She dedicated her life to little acts of kindness before her death at the age of 24 and was canonised by Pope Pius XI in 1925.
St Thérèse’s affiliation with prisoners is said to have began when she was just 14 and famously prayed for the conversion of a convicted murderer who had repeatedly refused to admit his guilt or show any remorse.
When he kissed a crucifix before his execution, she took it as a sign that he had turned to God.
Archbishop Tartaglia said: “Because of this connection with a prisoner, it is recommended that when her relics are on visitation, they should, if possible, be taken to a prison.
“So, when we were planning for her relics to come to Scotland, I wanted them to come here to Barlinnie.”
He added: “I hope that your veneration of the relics of St Thérèse today will increase your faith and help you follow her little way to goodness.
“I pray that the example of St Therese will prompt you to make life here in Barlinnie more tolerable for you and for your fellow inmates, so that you can look forward with hope to your future freedom and to a new life.”
A special prison guard of honour greeted the relics as they arrived at the prison and carried the small dark wood and gold casket into the chapel.
The service saw prisoners take communion, with two nervous-looking inmates picked out to carry the offertory to the altar.
The pair, who shook hands to congratulate each other after completing their task, later said that they were “honoured” to have been part of the service.
Asked how he felt after the service, on of the prisoner’s involved said he was “spiritually uplifted”.
He added: “I’m so pleased I got to be here for this historic moment, and honoured that I got to be a part of it. I feel really emotional, it’s been special.
“I fell away from my faith for a few years, but I’ve found it again in here, and this today pushes that even further.”
St Thérèse was known for her love of nature which earned her the nickname Little Flower.
She is said to have seen herself and others like flowers growing unnoticed in forests and fields, yet all contributing something to the world.
Prisoners got the chance to walk past her casket as they left the chapel in Barlinnie, with many touching or kissing the glass covering the relics.
They were then presented with a rose and some Roses chocolates by existing Carmelite sisters from Dumbarton. Some kept the flowers, while others returned to the glass case and placed their rose on top.
The inmate who took part in the service said: “We’re definitely not used to getting flowers in here so that’s a nice touch - and the chocolate is a bonus too!
“It’s a nice way to finish a special day.”
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