Father of inmates returns to Father in Heaven

“Come, beloved of My Father, for I was in prison and you visited Me. Come into the home of My Father.”

Rev. Fr. Alfeo Botero was one of the very few diocesan clergy who had “adopted” the prison ministry. He gave hope and lifted up the spirits of prisoners with his frequent visits and Sunday masses in Davao City Jails. His masses in the jails were always solemn and beautiful. His Pentecost Mass last Sunday was the most beautiful one that I recalled the words of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta to priests: “Celebrate every mass like it is your first mass and your last mass”. It turned out to be his last.

Fr. Al Botero gave his inspiration and all-out support to the volunteers of Archdiocesan Commission on Prison Welfare. His various projects have made life inside the jails a little better for the inmates. We have not yet fully come to terms with the passing away of the late ACPW Chair Irene Tabada and now the shadow of grief has descended once again upon the jails, particularly in the Ray of Hope and in the Annex inmates, they whom Fr. Al had loved and served with all his heart.

Goodbye until we meet again Fr. Al! The Lord has set you free from the prison of this world. Rest happily in the home of the Father. (Marian Raquel, ACPW | Photos by Alvinson Tay, Marian Raquel, Ariel Pantillo)