Bishop Dorsey

On Father's Day, Sunday, June 21st the inmates at The Coleman Federal Prison Complex had a visit from their spiritual father - Bishop Norbert M. Dorsey. The Father's Day visit which included a tour of the men's 63 acre low security annex by Warden D. L. Hobbs, a Mass for more than 100 inmates and prison staff and the confirmation of eight inmates, served as Bishop Dorsey's introduction to the federal prison facility.

Father Vincent Pierino, a Catholic Priest who serves as one of the federal chaplains at Coleman Federal Prison, said spirits had been running high in the weeks leading up to the Bishop's visit. "Everyone has been really excited about his coming," he said prior to the Bishop's arrival along with Brother Augustine Lowe, CP, the Bishop's assistant and Thomas Gillan, Director of Prison and Jail Ministry for the Diocese of Orlando.

Central Florida Reception Center Volunteers with Bishop Dorsey

"I want you all to know how truly happy I am to be with you here today," said Bishop Dorsey to the inmates at the beginning of the bilingual Mass. "Often when I go around to our various parishes to confer the sacrament of confirmation I try to impress upon young people how important this gift is," he continued. "….In the sacrament, we become, with Jesus, co-heirs of the kingdom of heaven. …Our love of God shouldn't be just talk, it should be put into practice. …The gift you receive is meant to be shared by how we live our lives, by our style." He said that "you are my brothers -- what happens to you is important to me."

Richard Llanos, one of the newly confirmed inmates, said , "I'm so happy and thankful, I feel terrific ! We all worked so hard to prepare for today. I feel privileged to have the Bishop here."

A special thank you to Warden Hobbs, Father Pierino, Head Chaplain, Arthur Becton and Chaplain Penny Ellis.