Lenten Retreat 2008, BJMP

Ensemble Goes to Prison with the VIPS

On March 9, 2008, the Sto. Niño Ensemble,
in cooperation with the Volunteers in Prison Service,
upon the directive of the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish authority,
proceeded for a whole day Lenten Retreat
for the prisoners at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP),
Aklan District located in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan.

It was one of the most meaningful and worthy undertakings
of the season--a sure eye opener and a classic example
of a corporal work of mercy.

Bro. Gil of the VIPS receives the Host during Holy Communion
as administered by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Frederick G. Malacas
of the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Church, under whom the
BJMP area in Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan ecclesiastically belongs.
The Lenten Retreat aptly culminated with the Eucharistic Celebration.


"I was hungry, and you gave me food."

At noon break, I (far right) had the chance to hear stories
from inmates. The grim face was due to the scorching heat
of the sun. Inmates say life inside is "hard". I was told the
cell at my back are for those prisoners who have some health
problem of sorts.


"I was sick and you visited me."




This is the whole BJMP Aklan District force
that takes care of our prisoners, many of them
inside due to drug-related cases.
We laud the warm, friendly welcome and the full support
of the District to the Parish and
us, its workers.


OIC Warden Benjie Tulayan spoke briefly but very
clearly: "We are thankful of our friends who came.
Make the most of what they are offering you."



Bro. Nonoy, VIPS member, shares his blessings as
a former prison volunteer while in college
at Siliman University.



Inmates who registered for the retreat intently
listen. If there is only one soul, yes, only one soul,
that this activity would have uplifted for salvation through God's most wonderful
grace, we shall have had served our purpose in going there.


"Those who have ears, listen!"

Frontliners indeed.
VIPS workers Annie, Gil, Nonoy and his wife Inday
listen to the discussion on God's Love.







Lyra rests her weary head. she had her hands full of
kitchen work with other women volunteers
who are members of another choir, the Briones Choir.
Thank you for the good food and loving service, sisters.


Bong, who says he's been inside since 2004,
captured the essence of the whole exercise,
when he re-echoed his learnings of the
day, expressing better understanding of God's love.
He thanked everyone profusely, particularly his
fellow inmates.