Hopeful Christmas messages from Tyrol's prisons

Hopeful Christmas messages from Tyrol's prisons

Innsbruck/Bozen, December 18, 2024 - The Tyrolean bishops Hermann Glettler and Ivo Muser placed hope for the prisoners in prisons at the center of their message during a festive Christmas visit. On the occasion of the Holy Year 2025, Glettler and Muser visited several prisons in Tyrol and South Tyrol, where they invited people to a contemplative celebration of the Word of God and showed the inmates a positive perspective. Glettler called hope a “survival” and addressed the challenges many inmates face, such as loneliness and feelings of helplessness. With his words, he encouraged the prisoners that, despite their situation, a good path is always possible by improving the atmosphere in prison kathpress.at.

In his impressive sermon, Bishop Muser not only recalled the importance of hope, but also referred to the upcoming opening of the Holy Doors in Rome, which symbolize access to God's grace. This message is particularly important because the Pope attributes spiritual significance to prisons, such as the gate of Rebibbia Prison in Rome. “God opens his door to all humanity,” Muser explained, encouraging inmates to find hope to overcome pain and despair. He also expressed demands for better conditions in the Bolzano prison in order to guarantee the prisoners a dignified life and the employees a respectful working environment. The opening ceremony of the Holy Year will take place on December 29th in Brixen Cathedral Vatican News invites all believers.