ACPW holds orientation on Prison Ministry’s Splendors and Challenges

The Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Welfare (ACPW) of the Archdiocese of Davao conducted an Orientation about the Prison Ministry’s Splendor and Challenges that was held at Lispher Inn in Matina, Davao City last May 14, 2016.

The ACPW invited groups of people, Parishes, Schools, Youth Organizations and individuals to be part of their advocacy in evangelizing Christ to those who are in prison. There were 30 attendees coming from different parishes; a sister from the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC); youths from Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA) with its Youth Director, Fr. Jong Puerto; Ms. Annie Libres representing the media group – Davao Catholic Herald Newspaper and DXGN 899 Spirit FM and some of the prison volunteers.

The participants were asked to reflect on the two guide questions given during the orientation. First is on their perception about those who are in prison and the second is what the participants would like to know about the prison ministry. The participants were divided into three groups to work together to answer the given questions for an hour and were asked to share their answers.

The invited resource speaker was Rev. Fr. Dominic Librea who is the current Chaplain of Davao Penal Colony which has more than 6,000 inmates from all over Mindanao. Fr. Domz talked about the challenges, risks and joys in serving those in prison.

The different groups after the orientation were challenged to include the prison ministry of the Church as one of their missions and ministries as well. With the growing numbers of lay faithful who are becoming interested on the said ministry, the ACPW will organize again an orientation on Prison Ministry on July 16 and September 17, 2016. (Cretch Lloyd Sanico | DAYCA)