Manila Cardinal Opens Prison Awareness Week, Says Prisoners’ Mistakes Do Not Erase Their Dignity

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila opened the 39th Prison Awareness Week on October 19 by urging Catholics to uphold the dignity of people behind bars and support their rehabilitation, CBCP News reported.

“You have made a mistake, but you are not a mistake,” Advincula said in his homily during the opening Mass at the chapel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Intramuros, Manila.

“We do not excuse wrongdoing, but neither do we allow wrongdoing to erase human dignity,” he said, stressing that the Church must uphold justice while recognizing the humanity of people deprived of liberty.

The cardinal said correctional facilities should help prisoners accept responsibility for their actions, rebuild relationships and prepare for life beyond prison.

He highlighted the roles of correctional personnel, chaplains, counselors, social workers and volunteers in rehabilitation. Prayer, skills training and family ties, he added, can help people rebuild their lives.

“The story is not over. With God’s grace, there can still be a new chapter,” Advincula said.

He urged the Church to accompany prisoners and their families throughout rehabilitation and reintegration, rather than limiting its involvement to visits to detention facilities.

“We do not simply visit. We join them on their journey,” he said.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, Advincula also warned that greed, prejudice, resentment and indifference can imprison people even outside correctional facilities.

He called on Catholics to share their time, compassion and resources with people often forgotten by society, saying Prison Awareness Week should prompt communities to reflect on how they treat those behind bars.