Vienna prison chaplain offers support to inmates and families, conducting thousands of conversations annually

In the bustling visitor area of Josefstadt prison, Austria's largest correctional facility, Jonathan Werner, a Catholic prison chaplain, finds himself a point of emotional connection. Women and children wait to see incarcerated husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers. Werner, whose primary role is to support the inmates, often pauses to offer a listening ear to those in distress in the waiting area.

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And if someone is sitting there crying, I'll sit down with them.

He deliberately refrains from learning about an inmate's specific crime before their initial meetings. This conscious choice allows him to engage with each person, whether male or female, without prejudice. Werner typically waits two to three meetings before reviewing a case file, which helps him better understand and support the individual's circumstances.

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My husband is in here, can I talk to you?

Werner views his chaplaincy as a contribution to rehabilitation, encouraging inmates to confront their past and consider their future. He highlights the Christian message that "God loves people and never lets go, no matter what they have done," as a powerful source of hope for those grappling with guilt, especially those who have committed serious offenses like murder. Many inmates, he notes, are more open to spiritual guidance in prison than they might have been in freedom, particularly if they struggled with addiction, a factor often linked to criminal behavior.

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But I can listen, be there, and thereby support.

Despite the profound spiritual support offered, Werner clarifies that proselytizing is not the goal. "Austrian prisons are not mission territory," he states. Inmates have the right to request a chaplain, and they can choose whom to speak with, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof. The majority of inmates express remorse for their actions, finding solace and a path toward potential redemption through these conversations.

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God loves people and never lets go, no matter what they have done, is incredibly helpful.