We had the first session of a CLS. Though over 200 wanted to attend, the number was limited to 100, for resource considerations. We targeted the heads of the 12 gangs/groups inside. But even then, 150 attended. As the discussion groups for the 100 had been announced, there were still 50 more already inside the venue who attended the session. They could no longer be turned away. There was even one group of women, the wives of the inmates. Then we had a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Msgr. Bobby Olaguer, and after that a prayer assembly. We already have 400 members.

We had quite a sizeable team, manifesting the enthusiasm and commitment of our members. The team even included 4 lie lows who had just come back to CFC-FFL. And they were already there serving!

I was most touched during the Mass. The participation was intense, the singing was loud, the devotion was striking. Here were the supposed dregs of society, but they were there as followers of Christ. You could sense the deep spirituality of the inmates. God was indeed present and actively at work in their lives.

I had said before that our ministry for restorative justice (prison ministry) is to be a major component of our work with the poor, to be at a par with our building of Restoration Villages. These two would be the major aspects of our work with the poor. I encourage our brethren to participate in mission here and in other prison colonies whenever they are given the opportunity, whether you serve in a CLS, or just join the team during their weekly formation and prayer assembly. The resident Ombudsman is our brother and will assist in getting our work established in the other colonies throughout the country. We will be needing more resources, human as well as financial.

Frank Padilla