CEBU, Philippines - At least 11 inmates exchanged wedding vows with their long-time live-in partners inside the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center last Thursday.
“We wanted the couples to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony,” said CPDRC Warden Romeo Manansala.
Reverend Father Crescenciano Ubod, who officiated the wedding, reminded the 11 couples to stay connected with God so that they can withstand all the hurdles of the marriage life.
Renaldo and Maribel Arsenal, who were among the couples, have been living in for 13 years.
In an interview with the Public Information Office-Cebu Province, last Thursday’s event was an opportunity for the couple to have their union blessed by a priest. Renaldo was one of the 11 grooms who are inmates of CPDRC.
Manansala said they noticed that there are several inmates who are not married to their partners, hence they thought of the mass wedding project.
“Kasagaran man gud diri mga nag-live-in. Gibuhatan nato og paagi nga mahatagan sila sa blessing sa kaminyoon,” he said.
The event was also held in partnership with the Missionaries of Charity Cebu which took care of the necessary papers for the couples.
“Our intention is to give them hope that they can still live a normal life even if they are here inside,” said Marco Toral, CPDRC consultant. (FREEMAN)