Courtney McGrailDear Editor, What an interesting suggestion from former gangster John Pridmore to use the Confirmation programme to show children “how they can use their gifts to help others rather than hurt people” (IC 21/04/2016).
I have heard Mr Pridmore’s incredible story at a parish mission where he described his life of drugs, organised crime, power and corruption until he came to a deep understanding of Jesus’ love through the Sacrament of Confession. His story of transformation and redemption is an inspiration for anyone who has found themselves down the dark path of a life of violence and wants to find their way back to the light.
The ex-criminal is well placed to offer advice on how to reach out to those who have made that wrong turn in life, but also on how to use early intervention to stop it from happening in the first place. It is already too late to start talking to teenagers who are in trouble with the law.
It is essential to start at primary school level to show children that they have choices and can live a fulfilled life in spite of their background and the chaos that might surround them in their family life.
As Mr Pridmore said, in his experience if gangsters serving a prison sentence could step back in time they would see that they are actually unhappy people and “are just bringing unhappiness to others”.
Yours etc.,
Deirdre O’Sullivan,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 11.