You Visited Me

Brother Teresiano M. Madrigal, CFR, shares an amazing journey -- from prison to prison ministry. Hosted by Emily Cortina, CPMC's Program & Partnership Manager.

Jim Wahlberg knows what it means to be visited. Growing up in a tough Boston neighborhood, Jim's early life was marked by chaos, crime, and time behind bars — until an unexpected encounter changed everything. When Mother Teresa visited his Massachusetts prison, something moved him that no punishment ever could. In this episode, Jim sits down with CPMC to reflect on that defining moment, the long road of transformation that followed, and why the simple act of showing up for someone in prison is anything but simple. For those called to prison ministry, his story is both a reminder of why this work matters and a testament to what grace looks like in the most unlikely places.

Prison ministry calls us to encounter diverse lives and stories with cultural humility. Learn to recognize your own biases and lean into difficult dialogues with respect and empathy. Miguel Gallardo, Professor of Pyschology at Pepperdine University, is our amazing guide through this fascinating and deeply important aspect of prison ministry. www.catholicprisonministries.org

Bob Cunningham, CPMC's Executive Director, stops by the studio to talk about his experience in prison ministry, his vision for the organization, and how CPMC is uniquely positioned to answer the Church's call to visit the imprisoned. www.catholicprisonministries.org

As Christians, we worship a God who was arrested, tried in court, found guilty, executed, and released from prison in the resurrection. How does this truth impact the way that we approach our brothers and sisters in prison? Sarah Jobe draws on her new book, “No Godforsaken Place,” to offer both the spiritual grounding and practical wisdom needed for all of us to “see life where it is easier to see death” in the work of prison ministry.

David Coe, Interim Director of Prison Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte, stops by the You Visited Me studio to discuss his role as coordinator of prison ministry for an entire diocese, and why he doesn't just stay in an office but actually works as a prison chaplain as well!

Most Rev. Mark Bartosic, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, discusses his personal involvement in jail and prison ministry, its importance for the Church, and why catholics shouldn't hesitate if they feel called to serve in this forgotten work of mercy. www.catholicprisonministries.org

Dr. Ansel Augustine, Assistant Director of African American Affairs at the USCCB, discusses his new book and the impact that prison ministry has had on his work in New Orleans and beyond, including stories of how incarceration has affected his family and his youth. This webinar is more than a call to action—it’s an invitation to journey alongside our brothers and sisters as co-creators of a better, more just world. www.catholicprisonministries.org

Saludos a todos. Bienvenidos a Me Visitaste, el podcast de la coalición de ministerios católicos de prisiones, Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition, donde descubrimos el poder transformativo del Ministerio de las Prisiones a través de conversaciones con capellanes, voluntarios y personas anteriormente encarceladas cuyos vidas han sido cambiadas profundamente por sus encuentros detrás de las rejas. Cada episodio revela cómo la gracia de Dios trabaja en los lugares menos esperados, rompiendo barreras y restaurando la esperanza. Hoy estamos con Imelda Richárd. Desde que era niña en Lima, Perú, Imelda siempre soñó con ayudar a los demás, pero no deja de sorprender la manera de que Dios la llevó a ser coordinadora del Ministerio de Prisiones de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta y a descubrir su vocación de acompañar a los que están cautivos.

This week's episode is a replay of our October 8 webinar, "The State of Youth Confinement & Lessons for All of Us." The webinar is hosted by Fr. George Williams, SJ, Chaplain at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and his guest is Wendy Sawyer, Research Director at Prison Policy Initiative. Past webinars can be found on CPMC's YouTiube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@catholicprisonministriesco3928. For information on upcoming webinars, and to search our vast library of resources for prison ministers and volunteers, please visit https://www.catholicprisonministries.org. The Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC) promotes ministry to all people affected by incarceration. Our goal is to recruit, train, support and empower those called to this ministry. We strive to create a more just and merciful criminal justice system that upholds the dignity of every human person and advances restorative justice.