Many a time I wanted to write to imprisoned Cardinal Pell. I didn't. My excuse was that I didn't have his address. Now that I've read his Prison Journal Volume 1, I really, really, really wish that I had written to him. He received letters from all over the world, from prisoners, from priests, from lay people, children, etc. If they could find an address for him, then I could have. I didn't even try.
He's out of prison now and living in Rome. I may write to him, yet. I wanted to tell him about the Apostle to Prisoners, Pere M. Jean-Joseph Lataste, OP.; how he taught women prisoners to think they were cloistered nuns who lived a yof prayer and work. This is exactly how Cardinal Pell survived his 13 months in solitary confinement.
The cardinal was convicted on hearsay. There was no evidence for the alleged crime. And that hearsay was inconsistent. There were no witnesses and no corroborating physical proof. Cardinal Pell was convicted because of anti-Catholic sentiment. This occurred in Australia, where Cardinal Pell was Bishop of Melbourne. But like the US justice system, Australian law prosecutes according to the defendant being innocent, until proven guilty. This is especially true when "beyond a reasonable doubt" had to be proved.
The guilty verdict was a shock. It was impossible for any crime to have been committed. While waiting for appeal, Cardinal Pell was in solitary confinement, for his own safety. The anti-Catholic sentiment was poisonous. Through it all, Cardinal Pell lived a purposefully peaceful, calm routine, ending each day by writing in a journal. This is the book; a prison journal.
The journal shows how the Cardinal's reliance on God's plan gave him peace. He knew God was in charge, he didn't know how or what He was up to. Cardinal Pell forgave his accusers, his detractors, and prayed for everyone. He set up a routine, like a monk.
5:00 Alarm, medicine, watch Mass on TV.
Breakfast, prayer, exercise, rosary.
Reading, writing or some communication with friends and relatives.
Lunch, prayer, reading,
Exercise, visits.
Supper, prayer, reading TV.
He could not say Mass but he received Communion once a week from Sister Mary who always stayed a while to chat. He enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams and discussing plays with friends. He was always in contact with his legal team and relatives.
He read and answered the letters. He enjoyed the letters from fellow prisoners the most. He took his time reading War and Peace and meditations. On Sundays, he watched Mass on TV and a couple of evangelists, whom he critiqued. He loved listening to hymns.
He received very adequate medical attention. He had nothing but praise for the prison guards, who he said must have the patience of saints because some of the prisoners in his unit were obviously mentally ill; they constantly banged on their bars, kicked their doors, and yelled and shouted.
The food was more than enough, but not hot enough. Some of it he liked and some he didn't.
All in all, it was like being on retreat, except for the surroundings. Oh, he also, wasn't free to leave. And hanging over him was a cloud of dishonor, humiliation, and disgrace. But knowing he wasn't guilty and trust in the Lord, helped him not to despair.
I can tell they'll be a Volume II because the book ends with Cardinal Pell still in jail. I hope it will be as good a read as Volume I.
