Philadelphia Prison Inmates Are Building A Special Gift For The Pope

August 26, 2015

When Pope Francis visits Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility on September 27 as part of his trip to Philadelphia, he is expected to meet with 100 inmates from throughout the Philadelphia Prison System and their families.

Among their thank you gifts, about a dozen inmates in the carpentry division of PhilaCor, the prison's job-skills program, will present the pope with a 6-foot walnut chair they are building from scratch.

prison inmates build pope chair
Alejandro A. Alvarez / Philly.com

Inmate Jermaine Coston, 30, said he barely knew how to use a tape measure when he entered the prison system two years ago.

"I just can't wait to get home and get a job in this field because it feels good to build something and accomplish something," he said. "There's a lot of hardship here but even in this bad situation, I learned to do good by picking up a trade."

prison inmates build pope chair
Alejandro A. Alvarez / Philly.com

Inmate Michael Green who said he was in prison for "bad decisions," noted that it's not often inmates get to represent their city to a visiting dignitary.

prison inmates build pope chair
Alejandro A. Alvarez / Philly.com

"I hope he sits in it and I hope he knows we put a lot of work in it," 45 year-old Michael Green said. "And I hope he knows we did it as a team and and we did it on behalf of the city of Philadelphia."

Source: Philly.com


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesOhio Man Makes Waves With His Fully Functioning Hot Dog Boat

feel good storiesTeacher’s Final Wish: Backpacks For Students In Need Fill The Aisles At Her Funeral

feel good storiesWhy Hope Is The Key To A Meaningful Life, Backed By New Research

feel good storiesThese Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless

feel good storiesJudge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams

feel good videoEvery Day, This Golden Retriever Leaps Into The Pig Pen To Play With The Piglets

feel good videoDog Saves His Best Friend's Life In Incredible Moment Caught On Video

feel good videoWoman Tries To Help Bird, Then This Happened... And We Can't Stop Laughing

feel good videoNewborn Baby Has Sweet Conversation With Dad While Lying On Mom’s Face

feel good videoSassy Pig Throws Hilarious Tantrum, Slams Door And Gives Mom Silent Treatment

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me