Prisoners endure pain and yet they find meaning and purpose in life, says a Philippine Jesuit priest who works among them.
“I find immense consolation in witnessing the marvelous expressions of the hope and faith our PDLS (Persons Deprived of Liberty) have,” said Jesuit Father Firmo N. Bargayo Jr., executive director of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS).
PJPS, a nonprofit organization, has been a source of hope and transformation for PDLs since its establishment in 1996. Through the efforts of priests and volunteers, PJPS offers pastoral care, comprehensive rehabilitation, and holistic development programs to the prison population through its services.
“I am continuously amazed that despite the miseries they have endured in life, they still could find its meaning and purpose,” he added.
He said listening to their love stories with God deepens his faith. He sees a God who truly cares about people and hears the cry of the poor.
Bargayo entered the Society of Jesus in May 2006 and was ordained a priest in June 2018.
After his ordination, he has been serving the PJPS for the past six years.
Additionally, he also has a podcast with Jesuit Father Henry Ponce named "Chaplains on Air.” It started as spiritual conversations over the phone during the COVID-19 pandemic until they were given a weekly slot on Radyo Katipunan, an FM radio station owned and operated by the Jesuit Communications Foundation with the cooperation of Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
