In Her Mother’s Footsteps
A Violin, a Voice, and a Mission of Hope
On the first Sunday of the month, promptly at 12:10 p.m., Lani Monical and a local Catholic priest step inside the gates of the Montana State Women’s Prison. Mass begins at 12:30, but first they sign in, pass through a metal detector, and have their belongings, including Lani’s violin, inspected. It’s a ritual both visitors are accustomed to, and one Lani has been familiar with since 2005.
She could be anywhere else on this Sunday, but she chooses instead to be a light for the women behind these walls. During the nearly hour-long service, she sings and plays her violin for roughly a dozen inmates.
“They are just trying to find their niche and some encouragement and something that helps them have some hope,” Lani says.
Lani started volunteering for the prison ministry alongside her mother, Doris Choriki. Doris started at the prison in the early 1990s and volunteered there until her death in 2018. Doris was always active in her church, singing, playing guitar and serving as music director for a time. Once she started volunteering at the prison, however, she rarely missed an opportunity to be there.
She passed on her dedication and compassion — and her musical talent — to her five children.
“My mom and dad said, leave the world a better place than you found it,” Lani says.
For decades, the Rev. John Houlihan led Mass at the prison, but now in his late 80s, has retired. The Revs. Jose Marquez of Mary Queen of Peace Parish and Leo McDowell from St. Patrick Co-Cathedral now take turns presiding.
“You see a spiritual hunger there,” Fr. Leo says.
Inmates can ask to visit with a priest for counseling, spiritual guidance, or the occasional confession. Fr. Leo is always happy to oblige.
“We bring them the word, a Gospel message that they are loved, and they have not been abandoned,” Fr. Leo says. “God loves them, and the liturgy, the sacraments and communion are available for them.”
Lani sees her small role as a part of the puzzle in these women’s lives.
“With so much negative in their lives, it’s an opportunity for us to be a positive light,” Lani says.
The residents aren’t the only ones who benefit from the experience. Lani has found joy and meaning in her small role.
“Just watching them over time evolve and grow in their faith has been rewarding,” Lani says. “Their whole mindset changes.”
Lani was only in the third grade when she first picked up a violin. Being from a musical family, it was only natural. Her mother played guitar and sang, one sister plays piano, and her other sister plays guitar.
“Music has been a part of my life since I could remember,” she says. “There was always music in the house.”
For as much as music has been a part of Lani’s life, so has her faith. She doesn’t have plans of leaving the prison ministry anytime soon.
“I’ll stay and keep doing it as long as I’m needed,” Lani says. “For me it’s only once a month, but they miss it when we can’t be there.”
