Cardinal Tagle tells Manila inmates not to lose hope

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Holy Wednesday reminded Manila City Jail (MCJ) detainees to never give up on hope. 

"Let’s not lose hope. All of us, including me, commit mistakes. We are all capable of betrayal but let’s not forget that we’re also capable of loving,"  he said in his homily as quoted by CBCP News. 

"We sinned like Judas and Peter but let’s not forget that we can still be like Jesus, who--even if we’re not worthy-- took care of us as his friends," he added. 

Before celebrating the Mass, Tagle along with Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto led the opening of the “Holy Door” of the MCJ  Chapel.

"In entering the door of mercy, enter into the heart of Jesus and there you will experience how God loved us and offered His life. We still have hope," he was also quoted.

The inmates were also encouraged to pray for their families and loved ones so that they too can experience hope and God’s mercy.

"And to all of you here, open your hearts to other people. You are like one family here. Spread God’s love to each other (through service)," he said.

After the Mass, the inmates sang the "Prayer to St. Francis", leaving Tagle teary-eyed.

The prayers goes: "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy." — BAP/APG, GMA News