WELLINGTON Br Kieran Garvey might be the name on the Queens Birthday Honours list, but the Capuchin says the Queens Service Medal he received is recognition for prison chaplains, not him personally. Br Kierans honour comes just months after he stepped down after almost 20 years as New Zealands senior Catholic prison chaplain. His prison ministry dates back to his appointment as deputy chaplain at Wellington Prison in 1972, where he became chaplain two years later.
Despite his retirement from his senior prison chaplain role, Br Kieran continues to minister at the prison in a part-time role, juggling that with his roles on an international chaplaincy organisation.
Reflecting on more than 35 years as a chaplain, Br Kieran said the role has certainly developed over that time.
Things are very different now it is much more professional and more demanding, he explained.
What was formerly part of the role of parish priests or curates with prisons in their parish has become a more specialised ministry.
Prison chaplaincy is a major aspect of the Catholic Church’s ministry, so this is good recognition from that perspective, Br Kieran said.
The man prisoners often affectionately called BK said prison chaplaincy does more than open up those who have been incarcerated.
My life has changed through the work Ive done, he said. You get to know yourself and you have to let your guard down and just be yourself.
Its also important to be open and understanding with people who, in some cases, have committed serious crimes.
The prisoners vary, of course, but many of them are not like what people read about in the newspapers. They are very human and our job is to be there and be available. We have to make sure the sacraments are available to Catholics, but we also work in pastoral care and counselling.
Br Kieran has ministered to men who were wrongfully convicted. He has worked with men who acknowledged their failings and wanted to change.
You have to meet them where they are and help them on their journey with God, he said.
