Herald Malaysia
KAJANG – As 2026 unfolds, the Catholic Prison Fellowship of Association (CPFA) is ready to bring faith, hope and compassion to prisoners and their families, building on the strong foundation laid during its 2025 Induction Training Program. This six-day formation journey prepared 43 new volunteers with the knowledge, values and resilience needed to serve effectively within Malaysia’s prison system.
Held over three weekends between July and September last year, the training combined spiritual formation, practical skills, and ethical guidance to equip volunteers for meaningful engagement.
The programme began with sessions on foundational understanding and professional conduct. CPFA president, Gnadass Amaldass, introduced volunteers to the organisation’s vision, mission and structure, including permit applications and sub-committee roles. Perzeus James guided participants on professional boundaries, confidentiality and prison protocols. Senior volunteers Benedict Savarimuthu, Sandra and Nicholas Jacob explored Sharing the Gospel, Women’s Prison Ministry and pro-bono financial services, providing a holistic view of ministry opportunities.
Midway through the training, volunteers deepened their spiritual and moral formation. Dr Grace Annammal drew inspiration from the lives of saints such as Sts Peter and Paul, connecting their lessons to contemporary ministry. CPFA secretary, Jocyelina Geraldine, explained constitutional and regulatory requirements, while Gnadass highlighted the importance of empathy in engaging prisoners. CPFA vice president, Audrey Freeman, inspired volunteers with her session, Love Without Bars, emphasising that spiritual readiness and compassion are central to their work. Personal testimonies, including Tommy Voon’s moving account of a death-row prisoner encounter, reinforced the transformative power of prison ministry.
The final days focused on practical skills and readiness for ministry. Dr Flora Anthonisamy and Dr George Decruz trained volunteers on prison protocols, communication strategies, structured sharing techniques and the use of reflective materials.
Perzeus concluded with a session on spiritual warfare, equipping volunteers to navigate challenges with resilience and faith. Guest speakers Eric and Thomas from Malaysian Care shared insights from prison visits and halfway homes, while Dr Gary Liew, AOHD director, delivered a talk, Seek Ye First, on servant leadership and putting faith into action.
The programme concluded with words of encouragement from the CPFA core team and a group photo to mark the induction of the new volunteers. Following the training, the volunteers have already participated in a half-day exposure programme at halfway homes in the Klang Valley, gaining first-hand experience of post-prison reintegration and putting their formation into practice. With permits now being processed, they are fully prepared to begin prison visits in 2026.
Looking ahead, CPFA’s new volunteers are poised to bring compassion, faith and practical support to the prison community. With thorough preparation, ongoing mentoring and a focus on holistic care, the fellowship is ready to make a meaningful difference this year — embodying hope, restoration and service in every visit. – Herald Malaysia
