Each year the seminarians spend Thursdays at an assigned apostolate in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  There are a wide variety of apostolates such as parishes, schools, hospitals, and prisons.  These assignments help the seminarians to grow, among other things, in their pastoral formation.  These experiences allow the seminarians to put into practice what they learn in the classroom.

How has your experience at the prison apostolate been? This year I am assigned to a prison apostolate.  Mr. David Friel (a Philadelphia seminarian) and I go each Thursday to Montgomery County Correctional Facility.  This is a medium and maximum level prison, which makes it is a very strict and secure environment.   Our assignment allows us to assist the chaplain of the prison with many of his responsibilities as well as teaching a weekly class to the Catholic prisoners.

The prison is an interesting environment, not what most would expect.  Many of the inmates are very friendly and interested in talking to a chaplain.  We spend a lot of the day going to different areas and talking to the inmates.  They are very interested in talking about God and how to draw closer to Him.  Many ask for Bibles and rosaries and are interested in developing a devotional life.  They are at a crossroads in their life where they are prime for a conversion.  We have also found that the prison is a spiritual battleground.  There are many temptations and spiritual attacks that occur.  These souls are battling evil in an attempt to turn to the Lord.  We pray for and with these men and women asking for Mary, St. Michael, and their Guardian Angels to protect them.  It is truly a privilege to enter this battle and become the Lord’s instrument.  I pray that the seeds we sow come to fruition in the Kingdom.

Mary Our Mother protect us,

Brendan Buckler
III Theology