God's Gift to Prisons

Msgr. Ernesto Esperidion, a former prison chaplain once told me... “ the coming of the Jesuits here in prisons is a Miracle”.  That time I could not understand what he was trying to tell me.   All I know is that Fr. Vic Labao , the very first Jesuit i came to know, arrived here in Bilibid, and after several years of helping the prisoners, decided to establish the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service ( PJPS). 

The PJPS has undeniably   made its presence felt not only  by the prisoners it serves, but also of the  employees, volunteers, benefactors and the Administrator s of the Bureau of Corrections.  For  seventeen solid years, PJPS has  involved  in the formation  of the inmates, employees and all other people involved in the ministry.  From holding masses, seminars, retreats, recollections, the men of PJPS has likewise  embarked  on livelihood programs for inmates and their families .  Several years ago, PJPS put up a bakery manned and managed by ex-inmates.  Unfortunately some problems forced its  untimely  closure. Undaunted by this event, PJPS started the Candle  Making factory. Currently, the candle business is being owned and managed solely by former inmates and their families, carrying the business  brand Pag-asa sa Paglaya  ( PSP ) candles.

One very significant  project that PJPS has conceived, is the Scholarship Program, catering to the children  of inmates. Through the financial assistance sourced by the PJPS,  children of prisoners are sent to elementary, high school and college.  Other than the financial assistance, the formation of these children are likewise handled,  through the help of Young Professional Volunteers  sharing the vision of  the Jesuits.

As for  me, a teacher in prisons, PJPS means  so much more. The Jesuits taught me how to really PRAY.  Before,  recitation of  prescribed prayers, praying the rosary  and attending mass seemed enough to connect to my God.  But through those silent retreats, I was taught that praying is simply TALKING  to your God on a very personal level.  Praying is also LISTENING  to His proddings  during those quiet moments, reflecting on one’s  life and  finding God’s presence even in those  seemingly insignificant events.  Being in the presence of  the Lord,  gives me those rare times when I can  truly be  myself, devoid of any pretenses, laughing, crying and agonizing with  my God.   The Jesuits showed  me   that  God   will always be  there,  walking with me  as  I  fulfill His mission every minute, every hour , through those rocky and bumpy roads of my  life. And that no matter who or what I am, God will always love me as His cherished child. 

As a Jesuit priest holds mass, hears confessions of prisoners, does counseling, and ministers to the sick offender, I  see  God’s love flows unceasingly    through him, bringing hope for the poorest of the poor.  To work in prisons is not easy.   This I can say with conviction.  As one serves the offender,  one will encounter  so much difficulties dealing with an  indifferent, ungrateful  and sometimes corrupt  system.

Unmindful of all these challenges , the Jesuits continue to  bring the good news  to their  convicted brothers.  Living in the tradition of its patron saint,  Ignatius of Loyola, a Jesuit marches through , saving lost souls and bringing them back to the folds of  Christ.

Truly, Msgr. Esperidion is right after all.  The  coming of the  Jesuits is indeed   a miracle in Prisons.... THEY ARE THE VERY MIRACLE IN THE MIDST OF SINNERS.....

Dr. Resureccion Morales is currently the Chief of Education Division of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). She teaches student inmates who are enrolled in the College Education program of the Bureau    in collaboration with the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.