Alpha in the Prisons: Bukidnon, Season One

Last June 7, 2008, at the culmination of the first Alpha for Prisons course held in the provincial jail of Bukidnon, Bishop Honesto Ch. Pacana reminded the twenty six guests present, most of whom were longtime residents of the prison, that despite their incarceration, they remain free because of Jesus Christ.

For many of the guests on this course, the provincial jail, located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, has been their home for many, many years. Despite the best efforts of many well-meaning clergymen and lay personnel, for most prisoners, God is a reality that is celebrated only once a week through the Mass, or less frequently, through the sacraments.

Thanks to the initiative of Dr. Godofredo Ycaro, the recently retired Dean of Bukidnon State University, and through the Alpha Course, our Lord remains a vital presence in the lives of these inmates. Despite the lack of immediate access to the sacraments, the freedom to partake of eucharistic celebrations, or the comforting touch of family and friends, these prisoners remain free because they have discovered God in their hearts.

Bishop Pacana reiterates the importance of discovering Christ in our hearts through the following parable:

God was tired of having to deal with the requests of His people. And so, He asked the Angel Gabriel to help Him. Where could He go where no one can find Him?

"Hide behind the furthest star. There they will not find him."

"Not so,” God said. “One day they will learn to fly and then they will find me."

"Hide then, in the deepest part of the sea. They will never find You there.”

"Not so," said God. "One day the people will learn to swim and they will swim to the bottom of the ocean and then they will find me."

Finally, God decided to hide Himself in man's heart.

"Man would never think to look for Me inside himself. There is no chance that he will find Me there."

Thus, Bishop Pacana asserts, while it is true that Christ is in the Church, and in the sacraments, it is equally true, and perhaps more appropriate to realize given the circumstances that many inmates face, that Christ also dwells within us. And so, if the Alpha Course introduces us to the joyful re-discovery of an intimate, personal encounter with Christ, then our journey of faith should continue. As Christians, we strive to grow in faith, not only by developing a fuller understanding of the Church, but by resolving to bring a renewed commitment to serving our Lord through the different programs, apostolates, and social initiatives that help bring Christ to our community.

Have a blessed day!