Seeking to strengthen one’s spirituality is a significant part of being a member of the Order of Malta. How much more of a blessing is it when that strengthening comes while serving those most in need of spiritual support?

Sara Littlefield, a member of the Connecticut – SWN Area, was invested in the Order shortly before the onset of the pandemic. She has been involved in local ministries as well as in the Prison Ministry Pen Pal Program. She heard about the program in the year leading up to her investiture. Having grown up with a father who was an FBI agent, she was intrigued with the idea.

That’s not to say Sara didn’t have doubts about writing to someone imprisoned for a serious crime. She talked to a priest, who told her that inmates need our support, that we are their connection to the outside world. “I found that really helpful, that they really need the proper support,” she said.

The pen pal experience has turned out to be a positive one for Sara. First, she said his letters are very well written. “I get these beautiful cards from him, and he’s quite the writer,” she said. “I have told him that they bring me such joy.”

She also believes he has come to understand his faith. “He reached the bottom, and he realized, as they say in the 12-step program, that he had lost control of his life. He turned to something greater than himself. And God has saved him.”

Finally, her correspondence with her pen pal has allowed her to grow in the spirit herself, creating a better appreciation of the need to reach out to those who have been marginalized in society.

“I think and pray about him a lot. I know he does the same. He’s really part of my spirituality now.”

To learn more about the Pen Pal Program or to get involved, please click here.