The Association of the Consecrated Women of the Diocese of Antipolo (ACWA) together with the Social Service Ministry of the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish headed by the Parish Administrator Rev. Fr. Reynante Tolentino spent a meaningful day with the inmates at the Marikina City Jail last October 19, 2013. A good number of women religious from the different congregations in the diocese generously offered their time to visit and animate the inmates. In solidarity with the country’s national celebration of the Prison Awareness month, ACWA President Sr. Trinidad Lingo, fsp said it was the first time that the religious in the Diocese of Antipolo visited the city jail.
Hundreds of inmates actively joined the celebration of the Eucharist at the multi-purpose hall presided over by Fr. Tolentino. During his homily, he stressed God’s love and forgiveness even among those who have repeatedly committed sin. This also became the point for sharing after the Mass. Each sister was tasked to facilitate the sharing in groups.
Bibles from the Bibliya sa Bawat Pamilya project of the Daughters of St. Paul for their 75th foundation anniversary in the Philippines were blessed during the Mass. These were distributed to the inmates who expressed their desire to read and reflect on the Word of God. God’s Word has been their source of comfort, hope, and consolation especially during hard moments in their cell.
The sisters and lay volunteers from the parish distributed packed lunch and toiletries after the said activities. The inmates and wardens expressed their joy and gratitude for the visit of the sisters and for the package they received. Spending the day with religious sisters was a concrete manifestation of God’s love and forgiveness. They look forward for another grace-filled visit and a meaningful sharing with them.
By: Sr. Josephine Tablante, fsp
