to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death (Lk 1:79)

The original members of the Malta Prison Volunteers of Connecticut began meeting in 2001, brought together by a common interest in assisting those incarcerated in the state, their families, and victims. These included John Santa, a member of the Order of Malta; Deacon Dennis Dolan, the Catholic chaplain at York Correctional Institution; Rev. Anthony Bruno, Director of Religious Services, Connecticut Department of Correction; and Stan Kennedy, a former inmate.

In 2002, even before its formal incorporation, the group began assisting with "Gift of Grace," a training program for prison ministry volunteers and began doing various public appearances, raising awareness about the spiritual needs of our incarcerated brothers and sisters in Christ.

The St. Dismas Prison Volunteers group was incorporated in 2003 as a 501(C) 3 corporation, with the addition of Joseph Miller, K.M. and Jennifer Cimilluca as board members. In 2005, in recognition of the group's growing association with the American Association of the Order of Malta, the name was formally changed to the Malta Prison Volunteers of Connecticut.

In 2005, the MPVCT proudly introduced the Malta Catholic Bible, and is currently working on its most far-reaching project to date, The Prodigal Project, designed to bring together former inmates and potential employers.