A Holy Week celebration behind bars

By Maximilian Ministry

NAGA CITY – Through the efforts of the Caceres Commission on Prison Welfare also known as Maximilian Ministry headed by Rev. Fr. Jayson S. Gaite, Chairman of the said Commission and in coordination with the BJMP and Provincial Jails Administration, the Holy Week celebration in jails were observed and participated in actively by the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in the 5 jail facilities within the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Caceres.

As Holy Week started, PDLs joined the Holy Masses in their respective jail facilities offering their prayers, hope and renewal during the Blessing of Palms on Palm Sunday.

On Holy Wednesday, the CCPW Maximilian Ministry had their traditional Visita Altares and Way of the Cross themed “Via Crucis: An Dalan kan Krus kaiba an mga Preso”. PDLs wait in their respective jails with their prepared Altars, and together with the group that carry the image of the Black Nazarene, offered their prayerful wishes and sacrifice.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 – On Maundy Thursday, there was a Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Feet held in jails. The PDLs representing the 12 Disciples of Jesus had their feet washed and kissed by the priest presiders. There was a procession of the Holy Host inside the jails and was revered by everyone in the Altars of Repose prepared by the PDLs. The scene of Cenaculo followed with the 12 PDL Disciples reenacting the Last Supper with Jesus.

“Easter Vigil Mass 2025”

On Good Friday, the commemoration of the Seven Last Words of Jesus (Siete Palabras) was given by invited priests and service providers and was participated in by selected PDLs who shared their own reflections on the Word they were assigned to. It was truly a touching experience especially on the part of the PDLs because they were given the chance to express and share their thoughts and personal encounters on the goodness of God to them. After the Last Word, the “Pagsamba sa Krus” and “Banal na Komunyon” followed where the PDLs embraced God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.

Late in the afternoon of Black Saturday, the light of Christ shined bright within the jails. With the image of the Resurrected Christ, the PDLs experienced the profound joy filled with hope, healing and faith through the celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass. These were observed: Lighting of the Paschal Candles, renewal of Baptismal Vows and Blessings of New Fire and Water.

On Easter Sunday, the PDLs joyously celebrated the day with the Holy Mass. Through the CCPW Maximilian Ministry together with the generous sponsorship of individuals, groups and parishes, different Vicariates in the Archdiocese of Caceres, anonymous donors and supporters, there was food sharing and toiletry giving to all PDLs. This highlighted the closing of the Holy week celebration behind bars.