Volunteer at Syracuse prison teaches inmates to pray rosary

Published: 2004-01-28

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CNS) -- Helen Day, an 87-year-old Syracuse resident, has lived most of her life in line with Pope John Paul II's belief that the rosary is "the form of prayer most needed." So, along with her other charity work, Day's latest mission is reaching out to people in need by praying the rosary with the inmates at the Onondaga County Justice Center. For more than a year Day has been visiting the center along with other members of the jail ministry who offer spiritual support to those who are incarcerated. "I had a friend who worked with the jail ministry who was very ill and has since died," she told The Catholic Sun, newspaper of the Syracuse Diocese. "I admired her work with the ministry so much. But my husband was not comfortable with me doing this." When Day's husband died, she decided to donate her time doing work that both fulfills and inspires her. "My purpose is to pray the rosary," said Day. "The Blessed Mother has been very good to me. I feel very happy and privileged to be doing this." Each week, the inmates wait for Day to arrive. She visits regardless of inclement weather or poor health.

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