His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop JOEL Z. BAYLON D.D. of the Diocese of Legaspi celebrated his 27th Episcopal Ordination on March 30, 2025 at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Ligao City. His celebration coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on Prison Pastoral Care with the Diocesan Prison Ministry, Catholic Women’s League (CWL), the prison inmates and the members of the BJMP. The sacrament of Reconciliation was administered for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) before the celebration of the Holy Eucharist to spiritually prepare them to be worthy to receive Jesus.
To have listened to the reflections shared by Bishop Baylon during the 4th Sunday of Lent otherwise known as LAETARE Sunday was a rare privilege for the PDLs. Through the parable of The Prodigal Son in the Gospel, Bishop Bong underscored the immense love that the Father has for humanity. Like the father of the two brothers in the Gospel, God rejoiced over the return of the wayward son who lived a life of sin and was lost and returned home penniless and homeless. The father in the parable is compared to a loving God who despite our sinfulness is willing to take us back, by forgiving our sins, humbly opening His door to us, and celebrating with a feast, “for the son who was lost, has now returned.” God forgives even the darkest of sins and patiently waits for us to return to Him.
The event hat took place inside the four corners of the jailhouse likewise mirrored the LOVE of God for the PDLs, though how big their sins are against society, for the BJMP officers who look after the PDLs, for the commission members and CWL who tirelessly extend help to their lost brothers.
Truly the double celebration is a grace that enabled the PDLs to feel the loving embrace of God.
ROSIE P. LLADOC
Parokya Patroller
