 Fr. Joseph Mulligsn, SJ, Prisoner of Conscience |
School of the Americas |
Letter to Family and Friends
January 30, 2004
January 30, 2004
Dear Family and Friends,
I am doing fine in our senior citizens’ section! All over 50, so it’s usually quiet.
I’m in a “room” about 12' x 10' with 3 bunkbeds and a small table with 2 seats. Among the 6 of us here, Mike Walli is one of the group I was on trial with–a very nice guy who lives in the Catholic Worker house in Duluth, MN. He is a Vietnam vet and was comparing experience yesterday with another Vietnam vet who lives in the same room with us.
Then there is “Squirrel” who lives in a cave by the river–essentially homeless. He sleeps most of the time.
On the second floor there are two other rooms like ours, plus the bathroom, which has 2 showers (with good hot water!), toilet, and sink. It is clean.
The first floor is similar, but features a common room with 5 tables and a TV.
So, this is our world! There is a small adjoining outside exercise area, but we haven’t been there yet since it’s rather cold—between 40-50 degrees.
Our uniform is snazzy—yellow shower shoes, blue pants without pockets and without belt (just elastic), and an orange pullover shirt with “Muscogee County Jail” proudly emblazoned on the back.
Meals are at 4:00 am, 11:00 am, and 4:00 pm. Since I am fasting, I trade my food for beverages—juices and milk. The food looks fairly good–one inmate in my room, who had a career in police and corrections work, says the standard is 2000 calories a day. This would be a banquet for most people in Nicaragua and the third world countries.
We get the local newspaper every day and watch local and national news on TV. There are bibles here—King James Version. A friend, Alice Budge, will be visiting me tomorrow and will bring a book—the rule is 1 paperback or magazine per visit.
I think I will make my whole 90 day “retreat” here rather than being transferred to a federal prison, but I’m still not sure. It’s ok here, as you can see.
On “the outside” I usually start my retreat by thinking of all the wonderful people who have been and are part of my life, rejoicing in them, and thanking God for all of you (family, friends, fellow Jesuits, fellow strugglers for peace and justice) who are the face and the love of God for me.
Yesterday, I spent some joyful time in that kind of contemplation, as well as chatting with the guys here pacing the floor for exercise!
I am very glad that the action in November to close the School of the Americas went well, that all of us gave strong, clear statements in our trial, and that this jail situation is not too difficult for me and may be another opportunity to witness to my Christian commitment to peace and justice.
I am very sorry that Mike O’Grady and Eric are in other sections of the jail as was Ben Jimenez, S.J.----sections where there is a lot of noise and shouting and probably less cleanliness. In our area we are enjoying senior citizens’ benefit!
As for my fast, I’m feeling fine and I think I’ll be able to get sufficient liquids. I trust you have all seen my statement about the purpose of the fast.
Will close for now, grateful for your love and support and counting on your prayers. I’ll be looking forward to your letters—please check first to see that I am still here.
Love to all,
Joe
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