Iligan City — Today, as Christians around the world reflect on the solemnity of Good Friday, PDL Nowie was among those at Iligan City Jail who found a renewed sense of faith and redemption through religious observances within the facility. “This tradition reminds me that despite my past mistakes, repentance and change are possible,” Nowie shared, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his life.
The male and female dormitories of Iligan City Jail participated in Via Crucis and Siete Palabras, two significant Catholic traditions marking the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The Via Crucis, or the Way of the Cross, allowed PDL to spiritually walk the path of Christ’s suffering, pausing at the fourteen Stations of the Cross in prayer and reflection. Meanwhile, the Siete Palabras, meaning the “Seven Last Words,” provided a moment for profound meditation on Christ’s final statements before His death, offering inspiration and hope to those seeking personal transformation.
The initiative was carried out in cooperation with the Volunteers in Prison Services (VIPS) and the Prison Ministry of the Diocese of Iligan, reinforcing the facility’s commitment to the spiritual well-being of its clients.
JINSP MARIVIC D VERGARA, city jail warden of Iligan City Jail-Female Dormitory, emphasized the significance of providing religious activities to PDL, stating, “Faith is a powerful tool in rehabilitation. Through reflections such as the Via Crucis and Siete Palabras, PDL are given the opportunity to find hope, redemption, and the strength to rebuild their lives.”
JCINSP CARMELO A CORSAME, city jail warden, speaking on behalf of the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory management, also underscored the importance of religious freedom and accessibility for PDL. “We believe that faith plays a significant role in rehabilitation. Through activities like this, we provide them the means to renew themselves spiritually, regardless of their religious background.”
This Good Friday observance highlights the jail’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth and rehabilitation, ensuring that PDL have access to religious activities that provide reflection, healing, and hope for the future.
