Support for the Prison Apostolate in Ecuador 

Violence is on the rise in Latin America. In Ecuador, the number of killings increased by more than 80 percent between 2021 and 2022.  

And in the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil, which has close to three million inhabitants, the rate of violent crime is particularly high, mostly affecting young men between the ages of 15 and 27. They are recruited by criminal gangs, often when they are already in prison. If they can see no alternative life, they can easily be seduced into crime again.  

The Archdiocese is consequently very active in the field of the prison apostolate and has developed a special initiative called the Alpha Prison Program, to give these young offenders better prospects for the future. Both priests and lay volunteers are active in the program, helping to support and accompany the prisoners and their families. It is a dangerous enterprise. The personal risks they face are 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 wants to train more lay volunteers.  

Working with the inmates involves counseling, prayer, worship, and the sacraments. And there are also training courses in manual skills, aimed not only at helping the inmates get regular jobs, but also at giving them a sense of self-worth. There are courses in skills like baking, metalworking, and carpentry, as well as sports and choral singing. Counseling and material support is also provided to the prisoners‘ family members.  

We are planning a contribution of $10,620 to this important apostolate and the training of additional lay missionaries and chaplains.  

Code: 217-08-49