Sisters of Compassion

A woman is meeting the spiritual needs of inmates and staff at Wanganui's Kaitoke Prison.

Sister Litia Vakameitangake is the new prison chaplain.

She has replaced Mike Coleman, but he has not been lost to the prison and its people after retiring.

He and Sister Litia have reversed their positions and Mike will be the Aubert Home of Compassion Nun's assistant.

Sister Litia said she was always pleased to see Michael.

"He's been there 10 years, he knows the place back to front."

Mike had indicated he would return as a volunteer.

"A lot of inmates relate to him. He knows a lot of inmates there," Sister Litia said: "I can't walk in his shoes but i can trace the footsteps and help the inmates. My ministry is to provide spiritual needs and to listen to the spirituality of the inmates and to share with staff their spirituality and to relate to the staff at a different level. Wanganui Prison is lucky to have a friendly and caring staff. They really support me and are willing to help."

She added that she was at the prison for "each and everyone and all the cultures".

The prison has about 400 inmates.

"At the end of the day there's a goodness in each of those men. I hope and pray that when they come out they build their own self esteem and have family values. I want to help with family values. They (inmates) go astray if they don't have them."

She said that if she "saved" one inmate her job would be done. "My ministry will be fulfilled."

She said she was a Sister of Compassion and noted that Mother Aubert spent a lot of time supporting inmates at Napier.

"It was part of her work. Our work as Sisters of Compassion is to have a special care for the prison. Our Sisters are working in Wellington, Hawke's Bay and Wanganui prisons."

Article courtesy of River City Press, November 24, 2004

News Archive 2004