 Br. MikeO'Grady, S.J., Prisoner of Conscience |
School of the Americas |
Letter from Mike O'Grady to Matt
December 9, 2003
Matt, thank you for your card last week. It is good to hear that you are my friend and that you support us here. Conditions are very bad here. I still have not adjusted to the changes that I must accept to do this time well. My associates (Ben & Gary) and I were separated last week and I was placed in a 36 man cell block. Flourescent lights are on 24 hrs a day. We're locked in here 24 hrs/day and the TV is going full blast 21 hrs/day. Its always violent movies, violent videos, violent shows. I can't get away from the barrage of sound—people shouting, bombing, fighting, killing. It's the soundtrack here. Like Muzak for the new world order.
The men here are all poor, mostly black. Lots of drug charges, guys waiting to go in to the state prison system. I'm the odd novelty here, a white guy who could bond out on a federal charge. When guys ask why I'm here they seem to understand and respect it.
I am fasting for Advent—two small meals/day, no snacks. I am trying to offer up my fears, angers, attachments, worries, and placing all in the hands of my friend, Jesus. So much to be grateful for!!!
My paperwork for jail visits and to receive a bible keep getting lost/misplaced. I think the guards don't want us here. After multiple requests I am thinking about next steps to take. You and the AI, SOAW, and PAX CHRISTI friends in Cincy may be able to help. More later!
This constant television stuff is torturous to an introverted silence-freak like myself. The holiday ads are full swing. I refuse to watch the tube but its place in the common room and its volume make it ubiquitous. (I hope your family is in good space going into the holiday juggernaut of consumption triggers.)
Write me and let me know how CFD is going and the other good stuff in the C.S. office. Say hi to Julie and Rosemary and Mark and tell them I'm thinking about them at this very busy time for you all. I hope you haven't had too many jars of broken tomato sauce in the store room..
Can you let Angela Anno know I am OK and that I couldn't bring her bible in with me. Also, Matt, any soft cover books you think would be good reading (spirituality books or good B/C. Many people here are searching) would be so helpful in passing the time, fiction or nonfiction—high brow or low brow! Since you're out of town you can send it 1 BOOK AT A TIME to the jail. Many guys here are hungry to read & we don't get any newspapers so book can be helpful to make the time pass well.
People will ask: 1. Do you really think you'll change anything? A: I don't know—God knows.
Q: What benefit did/will this Christian witness have? A: I don't know—God knows.
Q: Why did you do this? A: I don't know—God knows. I'm just trying to follow His invitation.
To paraphrase Mary:
“He is mighty who has done great things for (us).
And holy is his name.
His mercy is on those who fear him.”
Best Wishes, Matt
Your friend Mike
Aka #7662866
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