CITY Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, along with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of the region and Cagayan de Oro City Jail, the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, and the city government, arranged a mass wedding for 26 couples, most of whom are people in jail, Monday.
This heartwarming celebration, which occurs every five years, was graced by the presence of Cagayan de Oro City Archbishop Jose Cabantan, who presided over the wedding ceremony.
Archbishop Cabantan, during his homily, emphasized the significance of the sacrament of matrimony and the act of doing good, even within the confines of the jail.
His message resonated with the attendees, highlighting the importance of maintaining moral values and fostering positive relationships, regardless of one's circumstances.
The event, which took place at the Lumbia City Jail in Cagayan de Oro City, was a testament to the compassion and community spirit fostered by the BJMP Regional Office X under the guidance of JCSupt. Cesar Langawin.
The mass wedding served not only as a celebration of love but also as an example of the BJMP's commitment to providing meaningful community service, according to City Jail wardenJSupt William Manengyao.
Archbishop Cabantan and the jail officials expressed their gratitude to Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy for the city government's support in making the event a memorable one for the couples.
Sheila Lumbatan, chief of staff at the City Mayor's office, said working together with the church, jail management, and the local government shows how powerful it can be to join forces to bring hope and positive change to people in jail.
"This teamwork demonstrates a shared commitment to helping inmates and giving them a chance to start anew and make positive changes in their lives," said Lumbatan.
She said that by teaming up, these groups can combine their resources, knowledge, and influence to create a supportive environment in the jail that encourages inmates to turn their lives around and feel empowered.
Through this united effort, Lumbatan explained the goal is not only to organize the mass wedding event but also to give inmates a sense of hope and a belief in second chances and a better future.
Following the ceremony, Mayor Uy took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the city jail management for their dedication to community service.
He also thanked Archbishop Cabantan for his role in the mass wedding and for sharing a message of hope and redemption with the inmates.
Mayor Uy addressed the 26 newlywed couples directly, imparting words of wisdom and guidance for their married life.
He stressed the importance of being children of Christ and highlighted key elements for a successful marriage.
Mayor Uy underscored the need for good communication, humility, mutual respect, and continuous intimacy to strengthen their bonds as husband and wife, even under the challenging circumstances of incarceration.
In his poignant message, Mayor Uy reminded the couples to always serve one another with love and to maintain trust, no matter the obstacles.
He encapsulated his advice with the acronym CHRIST: Communication, Humility, Respect, Intimacy, Service, and Trust—principles that can guide couples in their journey together, both inside and outside the jail environment.
Uy added that the mass wedding at Cagayan de Oro City Jail represents a beacon of hope and a reminder that everyone deserves a chance at love and a fresh start, regardless of where they are in life.
It's a powerful message that resonates beyond the walls of the jail, inspiring the broader community to support and uplift one another in the spirit of unity and compassion.
