'Prison Angel' provides smiles, peanut butter to Mexican prisoners

Published: 2008-01-02

TECHNY, Ill. (CNS) -- Clutching a photograph of a beautiful 21-year-old woman lying dead of AIDS, she speaks of those whose hands she has held, of the destitute, sick and lonely. Around her neck hangs a cross made of three nails, a Star of David in the center. It was crafted for her by one of the thousands of prisoners to whom she ministers in Tijuana, Mexico. She is Mother Antonia Brenner, whom many call "the Prison Angel." Until 1977, Mother Antonia lived in Beverly Hills, Calif., and was a twice-divorced mother of seven. Then she took on a habit and veil and moved to Tijuana. Today she lives in a cell in La Mesa prison, where she serves the prisoners and their families. This fall, she visited Techny Towers Conference and Retreat Center to share her story and her advice. "In 30 years there, I haven't met anyone that wasn't worth everything I could give to them -- even my life," Mother Antonia said. "I see the image and likeness of God in each and every one of them."

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