Eternal Truth Network

Testimonials from Prisoners

Dear Father Paulsen:

I am a long time prisoner in Texas. I found you through a newsletter from St. Dismas Ministry. They advertised your books.

After reading “When I Was in Prison” and “You Visited Me”, I asked the chaplain to request some books for the rest of the Catholics. I am happy to say that they have all been taken. I’m hoping the Lord uses your books to help Catholics, and those searching to repent and surrender to God.

I just finished reading “The Only Way to Peace” and it is right on time. Ash Wednesday is coming and I need to go to the desert. I want to learn and surrender my will to Jesus. I want to yoke myself to the cross with Jesus. I want to carry my cross until I get strong enough to carry others crosses as a victim soul like Jesus.

I spoke to a friend of yours the other day at Mass. He said you let him serve at the altar at one of the other prison units. Being an altar boy has fond memories for me. I grew up in a parish in southern Indiana. I used to ride my minibike to the parish church early every morning to serve at the 5:30 AM Mass. I would have my single shot 12 gauge shotgun strapped to the handlebars of my bike. The priest would be waiting for me at the boiler room door. I would drive in and he would lock the gun and bike in there while we worshipped at Mass. After mass he would let me take my bike and gun out of the boiler room. I’d go off to the woods to shoot some squirrels.

Unfortunately, shortly after that I started hanging out with a loudmouth kid who teased the girls. Then we started stealing, and my life went downhill until I shot a man in a bar at two o’clock one morning. I’ve been in prison since 1982.

I was blessed to work with two Catholic priest chaplains and two Deacon chaplains until the cut in 2001. Since then I’ve been trying to learn how to please God which brings me back to your books. I am very impressed with your spirituality. I want to be a mature Catholic able to do the work of the Lord. As you point out in your book, the cross is the key to maturity. I need to surrender my will to Jesus. I have a small book “trustful Surrender to Divine Providence” put out by Tan Books. I think you would like that book.

I thank you very much for your books. God bless you – take care.

T.S. - Prisoner

Dear Father Harold:

May the blessings of God be with you and the Protection of the Virgin Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary look over you always.

Here we are passing the book “You Visited Me” around. We enjoy it and are taking advantage of the information in the book.

I have made the website known to my siblings and friends, as well as my sons, with respect to my Catholic faith, I thank God that I came along your path. For it was you who took me back, and welcomed me back into our Catholic faith. Thank you.

I came across another inmate who used to set up the audio system when he and I and you were together. He shared with me some good memories of those times. He said that you used to tell him,“Although you are Protestant, I know you are Catholic at heart!” Well, you are in our hearts! I will always remember your sermons and how you corrected those “homeboys” who were always talking during the service. We loved it!

Father Harold, I do not want to abuse your pastoral love and kindliness; however, I want to ask you if it would be possible to receive from you your other three books.

As long as my Lord Jesus favors me with life, it is my goal to be a “soul winner” for him starting with my sons, grandchildren and siblings. And all of this thanks to you.

Take care, Father Harold. Thank you for your prayers and the book. You will always be in my prayers, along with the Sisters of Charity who instructed me in my Catholic faith, and Father Gonzales from whom I received my First Holy Communion 50 years ago when I was seven years old, in the city of Guatemala.

God bless you. You are in my prayers.

In Jesus name, your spiritual son,

W. A. Q. -prisoner

Dear Father Paulsen:

Noticing the crucifixion scene on the cover, I asked a prisoner who was walking through the dormitory door last night, “Say guy, whatcha reading”?

“I dunno”, he replied “I just needed to use a book to sneak some envelopes past the guards. You can have it”.

And so I began a sleepless evening with your extraordinary book “When I Was in Prison”

Although their physical circumstances left something to be desired, I found myself envious of the prisoners you mentioned in one regard; they were all Catholic and therefore able to fully participate in the Mass. It’s only been in the last year that I’ve discovered your wonderful faith, having worship at The Shrine of Me for over 40 years. However, since last October, I have regularly attended Catholic Mass, prayer, and study. I just can’t be confirmed while in this region.

Moments ago a prisoner asked if he could read “When I Was in Prison” once I’m finished. This is how it begins.

J. G. -Prisoner

Dear Father Paulsen:

This is a note to let you know that I received your two books that you sent to me. I like them very much. I learned from them a great deal. I would say that you know the prison system better than most people in prison. I wish that I had read these books before I came to prison I can guarantee that I will not be back in prison.

J.M.H. -Prisoner

Father Paulsen:

Please allow me to begin this letter with a short prayer that my words will find you in the very best of health and succeeding in every endeavor that you put forth your hand to accomplish.

I did receive that book you sent to me. Thank you. There is indeed only one way to peace. I’m doing well. My last major case was the one that sent me to administrative segregation (solitary confinement) in 2002. I was baptized and confirmed in November 2001. I believe it was in May that I caught that case for the riot we had on the recreation yard.

The Lord knows I wanted to live right, but I couldn’t figure out the formula.

While I was in segregation, you said something that helped me a great deal. You said to consider the cell my monastery. Granted I was far from the saintly status of a monk, but I did use that time to study. I thank you for the books and Catholic material that you would bring to me while I was back there in that little cage. I do believe that the grace I received at baptism matured quite a bit while I was in segregation. My behavior demonstrates the dramatic change that has taken place within my soul.

Thank you Father for the patience you showed to a lost soul seeking the truth, the sacrifices you made in coming to visit a bunch of convicts, and in particular this convict while I was segregated from the rest of population and unable to attend Holy Mass. Because of the Catholic Church I have a better understanding of the heart of Christ and I am a better person all around.

I think of the sacrifices you make regularly for those who society has forsaken, and I am humbled. Your work is deeply appreciated by those whom you have touched deeply. May God continue to show the light of Christ through you.

You are in my prayers. With all love and respect,

T. C. D. - Prisoner

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