by
Stefania Tallei

Correspondence

This is an important aspect in the life of one who is imprisoned. It always represents a form of freedom of thought and expression of affections, and helps to render the prison a place where one may remain human. This form of communication is widespread, especially among the literate prisoners. Being able to write a letter or a diary is a bit like having a piece of freedom, and for this reason it is fundamental that they possess paper and pen. There are prisoners whom we visit each week, who write to us on the day after our visit. In addition to that, receiving mail means being remembered from a distance, knowing that you matter for someone and the letter signifies the contact with the external world.

During recent years, different persons from the Community became pen friends with prisoners throughout the world. These correspondences, which often started from requests for legal help addressed to the Community, have also become an opportunity for an intense epistolary relationship. 

Many elderly persons in the Community correspond with persons in prison. Individual friendships have come about between young people and those of advanced age. This experience reveals a way by which people with different experiences and from different generations can come together. The events narrated by the elderly, the poverty, the war or the difficulties of old age, have helped the younger people to discover unknown situations and sentiments. On the other hand, for the elderly friendship with the prisoners represents an opportunity to live out love with renewed energy and to express to these young people who live in difficulty and isolation, sentiments of maternal understanding.

LETTER OF A PRISONER IN A RUSSIAN JAIL.