BISHOP Noel Treanor has visited a programme in Maghaberry Prison which helps fathers who are in custody maintain a bond with their children.
Just a week before Pope Francis is due to visit Ireland as part of the World Meeting of Families, the Bishop of Down and Connor, met staff and those in custody who are involved with the Families Matter programme, which is run by the prison and Barnardo's NI.
Ronnie Armour, Prison Service Director General, said the programme plays a "a key role in keeping families together.
"The visit of the Pope later this month is a very significant event for the Catholic Church and the emphasis of family life is important. The impact on children of people in custody is often forgotten outside of prison, and I am grateful to the Bishop for taking time to meet our staff, Barnardo's and the men on the programme, who are all making a real difference."
Bishop Treanor said: "I pay tribute to all those who have facilitated the Families Matter programme since its implementation, in particular, Ronnie Armour, Head of NIPS and Maghaberry Prison Governor David Kennedy, the prison staff and the prison chaplains for having the vision, enterprise and courage to engage in this pioneering initiative which has benefited so many prisoners, their families and especially their children".
