On the surface, visiting a medium-security prison and making a Pilgrimage to Lourdes may seem like very different ways to serve the Lord. But Chris Pilalas has created a spiritual connection between these two significant aspects of his ministry.

A member of the Boston Area since 2004, Chris joined after Hap Redgate, a past Acting President, introduced him to the lay religious order. “That started the juices flowing,” he said.” I realized the Order fulfilled an unmet need I’d been thinking of for some time.”

Since then, Chris has been a regular participant in the Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Back home in Massachusetts he participates in the Boston Area’s Prison Ministry Program, visiting, when not prevented by COVID, Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI) Norfolk. “We have a Mass that runs for about a half an hour,” he said. “Then afterwards we’ll have fellowship and chat with the prisoners.” The group also brings in speakers from time to time.

So how does Prison Ministry connect to the Pilgrimage? While visiting the prison, Chris and fellow members of the Boston Area highlight the trip to Lourdes. “We try to let them know the schedule of what we’re doing on particular days, ask them to pray for us while we’re in Lourdes and to pray for our malades,” Chris said. “They’ll say, ‘hey, we were praying for you when you were at the Grotto,’ or something like that. So, it’s a nice back and forth.” Chris also provides the opportunity for the men to write out their prayer petitions, which he hand delivers to the Grotto. “It’s very satisfying that we can be a messenger for these men,” he said.

Chris said that the men show their gratitude in words but also in the way their faces light up during the visits. As for how he sees himself growing in the spirit of God’s love by participating in this ministry, he said simply, “It feels pretty good when you’re driving home afterwards.”