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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Church marks Prison Awareness Week

Church marks Prison Awareness Week

Published Oct 26, 2023 11:34 am

The Catholic Churches observes the 36th National Prison Awareness Week from Oct. 23-29 to highlight the importance of prison ministry for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

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Prison Awareness Sunday (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Manila)

 Military Ordinariate of the Philippines Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio led the opening mass on Oct. 23 for the week-long observance which carries the theme “The Correctional Community: Journeying Together in Mutual Support on a Mission of Love.”

Bishop Florencio, who is also the incoming chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (CBCP-ECPPC) said, the commemoration of Prison Awareness Week highlights the importance of the church’s prison ministry for Persons Deprived of Liberty.
 

“The week long celebration reminds us of the plight of PDLs. They are also children of God like us, created by God, loved by God. They need our support particularly from those with generous hearts,” said Bishop Florencio over Radio Veritas.

For his part, Fr. Nezelle O. Lirio, executive secretary of the CBCP-ECPPC reminded the faithful of their mission to show support to all PDLs.

“Despite our differences, let us show our mutual support that is borne out of love. We have a mission, a God given mission to support and to never be indifferent to  PDLs,” the priest said.

The CBCP-ECPPC led various activities during the week long observance including a Solidarity Mass with Female and Provincial Persons Deprived of Liberty, Service Conscious Seminar for Corrections Personnel, and a visit to prisoners in jail.

To culminate the celebration, Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, current chairman of the CBCP-ECPPC, will preside over the Holy Eucharist at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Cathedral) at 10 a.m. on Oct. 29 to mark Prison Awareness Sunday.

In 1987, the CBCP-ECPPC set the last Sunday of October every year as Prison Awareness Sunday to raise awareness on the welfare and condition of prisoners throughout the country as well as help people understand the challenges faced by PDLs.

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