The Bible offers guidance to newly-married prisoners“The Bible is an inexhaustible source of spiritual support, wisdom and ethical principles. It is a valuable instrument for this new and important stage in the prisoners’ lives” SÃO PAULO, Brazil — Full of hope for a better future, 27 inmates of the Penitentiary of the State of São Paulo married in July in a three-hour ceremony attended by around 250 guests. The Bible Society of Brazil has been offering spiritual and social help to prisoners throughout the country for more than 20 years and was also represented at this special event, supplying a specially bound Bible to the bridegrooms. “The Bible is an inexhaustible source of spiritual support, wisdom and ethical principles. It is a valuable instrument for this new and important stage in the prisoners’ lives,” says Alice Giraldi, the Bible Society’s Social Welfare Secretary. “In addition to the Bible, the couples were given the booklet God Speaks to the Family. This is aimed at families and contains Bible teachings that strengthen and value family life.” Spiritual values Initiatives such as this are part of the Bible Society’s Social Welfare in Jail project, which aims, through guided Bible reading, to encourage prisoners to embrace ethical and spiritual values and to rebuild their lives. “Projects of this kind are an important step in readying prisoners for their return to society,” states Oswaldo Martins Bueno, who is in charge of rehabilitation work at state penitentiaries. It is the brides, shining examples of dedication, love and companionship, who will guide the prisoners through the process of transforming their lives. Brides like 21-year-old Vivian Cristina dos Santos Souza Lima. She met Wanderson Luiz de Souza Lima three years ago. “I came [to the prison] with a friend and met Wanderson,” she explains, her eyes shining with happiness. “It was love at first sight,” Wanderson agrees. “When I looked at her, I felt true love and proposed to her.” Their wedding, along with more than 200 others, was organised by Antonia de Crocce Andriotto. She has dedicated herself for more than 18 years to bringing comfort and guidance to prisoners through the Scriptures. “It is not just a question of preaching the Word of God, but rather of carrying out social welfare. I thank all those who have helped me, but above all God. Without him, we could do nothing.” A longer version of this article appeared in issue 201 of A Biblia no Brasil, the magazine of the Bible Society of Brazil. (WR 384/13 - 3.04)
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