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CRANSTON – A memorial service was held recently at the High Security Facility of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (DOC) to remember Maria Garombo, a chaplain at the facility for many years, who passed away January 16.
The service was coordinated by Antonio Andreu, a member of the Diocesan Chaplaincy team, supervised by Chaplain Martha Paone. Andreu has taken over some of Garombo’s duties.
Six prisoners were allowed to attend Mass at the small chapel, which seats about 15 people and is accessed by passing through heavy metal doors and several checkpoints. Also in attendance were several corrections officers and staff, including DOC Director A.T. Wall, a pair of chaplains and Garombo’s nephew and niece.
In the back of the chapel there is a small room with a big window that used to be Garombo’s office, which is also used by the priests who come to celebrate Mass and to hear confessions.
During the Mass, Deacon Dr. Timothy Flanigan, chaplain at the prison, said, “Sister Maria brought us the Eucharist and provided God’s mercy and compassion to all of us. She was a little giant, who I can see now advocating in front of God for all of us. For her the walls mean nothing because God is in providence in the churches and also inside the prison walls.”
“She will come every morning and greet the inmates pointing her finger and saying, now you be a good boy,” he added.
Father Damian Kearney, a semi-retired Benedictine at Portsmouth Abbey, came to celebrate Mass at the prison for the first time. He said, “I would like to have known Maria. She was a person with the spirit of Pope Francis, and apparently was a great woman of faith, mercy and service.”
After the Mass, Wall spoke expressing his gratitude for her service. He said, “When I think of Maria I think of the prayer of St. Francis, and are we worthy? I am not sure any of us are, but if we take her lessons, we will become better persons.”
Louise Tillinghast who works as a clinician in the high security facility said that her positive influence traveled outside of the prison walls into other buildings and facilities.
Mike Manrique, Maria’s nephew, said, “She was for me like my second mom and she fostered in me the faith and religion. She prepared me to receive my first Communion and how to live a good Christian life. She simply was a very spiritual person.”
“For Maria the inmates were like her own children, her kids, and she cared deeply for them,” he added.
Inmate Joshua D. came to the prison in 2006 and met Maria shortly after. He said that she was a beacon of light, an amazing woman. “She was a strong example of the Catholic faith. She was the Catholic faith with her words, and her actions,” he said.
Joshua was sentenced in 2008 to life in prison without parole. He was 20 years old at the time. He credits Maria for his conversion, change of heart and becoming a Catholic.
“When she reminded me that no matter where you are, in prison or on the street, you are called to be a saint, the walls kind of disappear,” Joshua said.
“In December I started a process to become a lay Dominican, and she was instrumental in helping me on my journey, to join the Dominican Order. It is difficult but it is possible.”
Michael R., another of the inmates present at the Mass, said, “She was someone who really showed that she was a child of God, and in this place full of hate, sadness and loneliness, we could feel God’s presence when this 4-foot woman walked in our corridors, bringing the love and compassion of Jesus, reminding me that I was not forgotten.”
“Even for guys who were tough, or have a different faith, she always brought peace with her, and this is the first year she is not going to put ashes on my forehead,” Michael said.
“I know that she is in heaven trying to push her way to get to Jesus and advocate for all of us.”
In the wall of the chapel there is a mural with pictures of her and notes from many of the inmates that she ministered to.
One of them reads: “Sister Maria, a true saint. Someone who always put others first. Sister Maria was truly a mother to all of us. With her it never felt like an inmate dealing with clergy but like a loving grandmother dealing with a wayward grandson who was loved and cared for. My heart weeps for the world today because we have truly lost someone great; someone through whom you truly felt God’s love. “Saint Maria” will forever be in my memory and in my heart,” wrote Sylvester M.
Another inmate, Tom, wrote: “I will always remember her for the comfort and peace that she spread, taking the time to go cell to cell, offering a kind word of support, a prayer or a simple “how are you doing.” I hope she has found peace and suffers no more. I will have her in my prayers always.”
Ricardo V. wrote: “Remembering the way you’d light up the room every time you came to speak to us brings a smile to my face. But now knowing you are no longer with us brings sadness to my heart. You were a blessing from God who touched many hearts and changed many lives. You were such an amazing, loving and caring person and will never be forgotten. We all know that you are now with Him in a better place, but always know you will always be missed! R.I.P Maria. May God bless you, your family, and all your loved ones.”
Another inmate wrote: “Maria was a gentle woman whose love for others was surpassed only by her faith in our Lord. She would always call us inmates her children. SR. Maria touched my life in such a strong way. She embodied the love and Joy of Christ. Today our Lord called her home to her heavenly reward. May she always look upon the glory of Jesus and together with all the saints and angels give never ending praise. She will be whole heartedly missed. My prayers are with all her family. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 ‘For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.’ God bless you, your brother in Christ.”
Finally Michael prayed: “Dear Lord; I come before you with humility praying that you remember your daughter Maria and the many ways she used your gift of Life to serve you, and the many lives she touched with her love and compassion. Please join this prayer to the many others for her soul to be brought to you as fast as possible. May the prayers for Maria reach the roof of your throne with a resounding force. Amen.”
Maria was a great inspiration to all who came in contact with her, a truly gracious servant of the Lord.
