The Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) Penang initiated its Prison Ministry on a humble note on 13^th April, 2014. Spurred on by the spiritual guidance and support from its Spiritual Chaplain, Rev Fr Martin Arlando, a batch of 30 Pioneers gathered to attend a briefing session on the uniqueness of this new ministry and the first such ministry in the diocese of Penang. This is in response to a calling to harvest potential souls for Christ in Prison and Drug Rehabilitation Centers in Penang.

Fr Martin laid the foundation for this Ministry at CDM with a formation session for interested volunteers. Certain senior parishioners were then appointed to liaise with the KL Archdiocesan Prison Ministry to systematically organize and coordinate a 3-hour session on 29^th June, 2014 (Feast Day of Saint Peter& Saint Paul) at CDM, Penang. From this subsequent session, the participants realized how this neglected segment of society can be touched and transformed. They also realized how the members of this ministry themselves will undergo interesting changes in their own spiritual lives, as well as in their talent and personality development.

Fr Martin’s presence throughout the 3-Hour Session was very inspiring. His advice, appreciation and acknowledgment of the potential and challenges of this Prison Ministry urged  these members to be faithful in their outreach once their permits are obtained in January 2015.

The 30 new members of this ministry comprised mainly CDM parishioners, as well as some interested members from all over the island and mainland churches. When asked how did the session go, those attended expressed appreciation for the visiting team’s priceless tips. In addition, they felt they could develop their skills and technical know-how to serve better in this ministry. This made them to look forward to the next formation that was scheduled to be held on 19^th and 20th July 2014.