On this weeks podcast we are delighted to speak to Imelda Wickham PBVM about her new book "Unheard Voices: Reflections of a Prison Chaplain" published by Messenger Publications with a foreword by Peter McVerry SJ. Imelda Wickham PBVM was a Prison Chaplain for twenty years and held the role of National Coordinator of Prison Chaplains for three years.
Sr Imelda shares her vocation story and how it led to 20 years as chaplain to Wheatfield Prison with us. Her book provides us with a brief human insight into life behind bars in our penal institutions. The author challenges the use of prisons to deal with addictions, mental health issues and homelessness, arguing that true justice lies in healing for all involved in criminal behaviour, including victim, perpetrator and society. Her reflections on prisoners’ stories also paints a picture of what life can be like in a prison cell.
She is currently involved in establishing a support service for the families of people in prison called New Directions –Supporting Families of People in Prison.