Affidavit of Benjamin Mason

My name is Benjamin Paul Mason. I am a resident of Walpole, Massachusetts. I was a guard at Walpole State Prison from its inception in 1956 until I retired in 1980. Previous to 1956, I had worked at Charleston State Prison, where I started my career in 1937. I had been a prison guard for a total of 43 years.

In all my life, I have never met a man such as James Cullen. I myself am not Roman Catholic but Baptist, as was my father, and his father before him. Before I met Cullen, I believed that Catholicism was a kind of antiquated superstition and that a Catholic could not be a true Christian. I may not agree with all of the teachings of the Vatican, but I do believe that Cullen followed the words and heart of Jesus. He was an upstanding man and an example for every Christian to follow.

In 1956, when Walpole State Prison opened and we met for the first time, I thought he was a bit strange, especially due to a habit of his. Every Monday, upon arriving at the prison, he would tour the prison, to see how all the guards and staff were getting along. Often he would ask every person, “is there something I can petition the Lord for you?” And though the answer was usually no, he promised to pray for them anyway. He continued this ritual weekly, despite those that made light of him.

After this tour, he would inquire if there were any new prisoners. If there were, he would introduce himself, then pray with him, whether they wanted to or not. Then he would invite him to attend his chapel. Usually these new prisoners were hostile. Many of them were convicted of murder or some other brutal crime. Their uniform was fresh and they were on their guard. It was, after all, a maximum security facility, the “biggest” big house. Many inmates believed it would be unwise to show weakness to a priest. But every once and awhile, an inmate would show up at the chapel and beg forgiveness for their initial rudeness.

Despite hostile and violent prisoners, Cullen never changed his Monday morning habit or relented with his kindness. He had a true Christian character and he maintained an amazing compassion throughout his life. Despite being a prison for killers, Walpole remained mostly peaceful during his tenure as Chaplain. Later, it became infamous as one of the most violent prisons in America. Many of the guards who work there now believe it had always been like that, but I know that while Cullen was there, it had been better, and in has care, many prisoners had been reformed. He was an extraordinary Christian and the best Chaplain I have ever met.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

June 12, 1984
Benjamin Mason