Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio calls for support of prisoners

Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio called on the Church, correctional workers, and families to support prisoners in rebuilding their lives during his message for Prison Awareness Sunday on Oct. 25.

Florencio, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, stated that while individuals may lose their liberty, they do not lose the dignity given by God. He urged correctional institutions to function as centers for rehabilitation and renewal to help inmates prepare for reintegration into society.

The bishop thanked prison chaplains, volunteers, and correctional personnel for their roles in providing spiritual guidance and ensuring humane treatment. He also asked Catholics to offer comfort to victims of crime and reminded those in custody that their past mistakes do not erase their worth or their opportunity to start over.