Restoring dignity through Art

20-JUN-2012

Caritas Manila, Cardinal Medical Charities Foundation, Inc. showcases “artist-prisoners” talents

An art exhibit was formally opened yesterday, June 19, 2012 at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual (Executive Director,Caritas Manila) together with Ms. Millete Belen ( Executive Director,CMCFI),Dr.Ofelia P. Javellana ( Trustee,CMCFI) Dr. Corazon C. Consunji (President, CMCFI and CSMC) and Sr. Zenaida C. Cabrera (Caritas Manila’s Restorative Justice Program Coordinator and Mother Superior of Servants of Holy Eucharist) led the opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Wood burning, formally known as pyrography artworks made by the prisoners at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City were featured in the said art exhibit, dubbed Art Exhibit for a Cause.

Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual, during the opening ceremonies, lauded the initiative undertaken to make the exhibit possible, saying it is a way to recognize the talents of our “artist-prisoners” and restore their dignity, thus provide hope and self-worth as active members of society.

The exhibit is part of the social entrepreneurial activities of the Restorative Justice Program of Caritas Manila, which help generate income for the prisoners. Restorative Justice Prison Ministry is a special ministry of the Church in the development of the correctional community based on the principles of Restorative Justice.

Thirty seven artworks were included in the exhibit. Prices range from 5, 700 to18, 800 Php per piece. It is open to the public until June 26, 2012.

Proceeds of the exhibit are for the benefit of Caritas Manila’s Restorative Justice Program for Prisoners as well as the patient-recipients of the Cardinal Medical Charities Foundation.