Supporting the prison apostolate in the Archdiocese of Guayaquil

Overall, violence is growing alarmingly in Latin America. Ecuador is the sixth worst among the countries affected by this problem. In the years 2021 to 2022 alone, the number of killings increased by over 80%.

In the port city of Guayaquil, which has close to three million inhabitants, the rate of violent crime is particularly high, above all affecting young males between the ages of 15 and 27, who are recruited by criminal gangs to carry out acts of violence. Often these young people are recruited when they are already in prison. If they can see no alternative for themselves for leading a law-abiding life in freedom, they are more vulnerable to being seduced into pursuing their criminal “career,” sinking even deeper into a life of crime.  

The archdiocese is consequently very active in the field of the prison apostolate and has developed a special initiative, the Alpha prison program, in the hopes of giving some of these young offenders a chance at a better future, with a life rooted in the values of the Gospel. Priests and lay volunteers are active in this program, helping to support and accompany both the prisoners themselves and their families. It is a dangerous enterprise, and the personal risk they face is considerable.

Given the huge number of prison inmates—the five prisons within the diocese hold over 12,000 prisoners!—the number of prison chaplains and support workers is nowhere near adequate. This is why the Archdiocese of Guayaquil now wants to train up more volunteer lay missionaries.

Working with the inmates involves counselling, prayer and worship, and administering the sacraments. And there are also training courses in manual skills, aimed not only at helping the inmates get a regular job after release but also at giving them a sense of self-worth and dignity. In addition to courses in handicrafts, metalworking, bakery, and carpentry, there are sporting activities and choral singing as well.

Counselling and support are also provided to the prisoners’ family members, and in many cases, they also receive material assistance.

We want to support this important apostolate and the training of additional lay missionaries and chaplains with a contribution of close to $14,000.