Working as team of four Lay Canossians and three friends, we named our group POD because we were there to sow seeds of love, hope and belief and to motivate "secular hardcore inmates". We did not know what to expect and so we called on the Sisters to pray for us on the days of our sessions.

Our first encounter on August 4, 2001, was aimed at developing relationship and assuring the inmates that there were people who cared for them.  At every session we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit empowering us. Touched by our sharing sessions, some of them even cried. I believe we have managed to help them get in touch with their inner self and thus become more aware of their needs.  When we were with them we experienced a sense of oneness, a bond of love and joy.  While every ounce of our energy was drawn, leaving us rather fatigued after each session we felt happy because we saw the joy in their faces.