Diocesan Life, Peace and Justice staff attend Frederick Douglass Project for Justice Events

Recently both Deacon Randall Waguespack, Director of the Office of Life, Peace and Justice and Jorge Lavastida, Diocesan Prison Ministry Coordinator visited Elayn Hunt Correctional Institute in St. Gabriel and the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW), temporarily in Baker as part of events led by the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice (FDPJ) in partnership with the Louisiana Parole Project. The FDPJ is a program that seeks to improve the perception of the incarcerated by bringing groups of the public and the imprisoned persons together in an amiable and considerate atmosphere.

The day starts with a short tour of the facility followed by introductions that create a welcoming environment. The group then moves to exchange experiences that help members get to know one another. The visit lasts about 3 hours. Everyone in the public are encouraged to participate. A short security clearance process is required.

Both Deacon Randall and Jorge found the experience very rewarding and recommend it highly. Deacon Randall remarked: "These visits are a great way for Catholics to start understanding the restorative justice aspects of Catholic Social Teaching and help participants see how opportunities for mediation between victims and offenders can lead to a more humane criminal justice system and a safer society". 

Sign up for prison visits can be done through The Frederick Douglass Project for Justice website.

Visit the FDPJ Website