Bishop William F. Medley lifts the Eucharist during a Communion Service held at Daviess County Detention Center on July 4, 2026. In the background, Fr. Carmelo Jiménez, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Sebree, assists at the service. RACHEL HALL | WKC
‘We all have freedom in our hearts’
On 250th anniversary of American independence, Bishop Medley meets with Daviess County inmates
BY RACHEL HALL, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Fr. Carmelo Jiménez read those words from the Gospel of Matthew both in English and Spanish on July 4, 2026, at a Communion Service that took place at the Daviess County Detention Center. The setting was sterile with heavy plastic chairs, a room behind several locked heavy metal doors. To get there one passes a small basketball court which looks almost normal save for the metal grate over your head that offers just a fleeting hint of the humid summer day outside.
Fr. Jiménez, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Sebree, made the journey this past Independence Day at the request of Bishop William F. Medley to join him on a pastoral visit. Sebree is well-known for its vibrant multi-lingual Latino population, and as we walked into the facility, he noted with a smile that he needed to get back soon for a wedding. He explained that the holiday meant a slow day in the restaurant industry, where many of his parishioners work, providing a perfect day for a couple to get married and celebrate their anniversary on.
Dcn. Ken Bennett, co-coordinator of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Owensboro, speaks with Bishop William F. Medley before assisting at a Communion Service held there on July 4, 2026. RACHEL HALL | WKC
As the men filed into the chapel wearing orange or green jumpsuits, they were each greeted individually with warm smiles and handshakes as small conversations were had. Joining in the day’s visitation was Dcn. Ken Bennett from the diocesan Worship Office. As a retired police officer, Dcn. Bennett’s experience was invaluable in planning and navigating the logistics involved in visiting the facility.
Also present from the diocese was Susan Montalvo-Gesser, director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro and an immigration attorney. According to a July 1, 2026 story in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, of the 621 people incarcerated at Daviess County Detention Center, 91 were being held on federal immigration detainers.
Bishop William F. Medley, center, walks through the waiting area of Daviess County Detention Center on July 4, 2026, with Fr. Carmelo Jiménez and Susan Montalvo-Gesser, while making a pastoral visit. RACHEL HALL | WKC
The jail staff was helpful and accommodating for our visit that day, as they guided us through the visitor procedures.
Following the Gospel reading, Bishop Medley, marking the occasion of America’s 250-year anniversary, reflected in his homily, “I said, let’s go where they can’t come to us to celebrate,” since he knew he wanted to do something deeper than a prayer service.
“Freedom looks different here, I want to take you to a BBQ and cook you a steak, but that is not an option here,” said Bishop Medley. “Where you do have freedom, however, is inside you. We all have freedom in our hearts.”
As Catholic social teaching reminds us, human dignity is an inherent gift. And as our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, this Independence Day visit served as a reminder to renew our commitment to living as a people committed to faith, freedom, and the dignity of all.
Rachel Hall is the director of communications for the Diocese of Owensboro.
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro, proclaims a scripture reading during a Communion Service presided over by Bishop William F. Medley on July 4, 2026 at Daviess County Detention Center. RACHEL HALL | WKC
