Vancouver woman finds unexpected faith in Manila jail

Vancouver-based theology graduate Angelyn Dee was in a car, stuck on her way to Taguig City Jail in Manila, when she received a quick briefing about the detainees’ living conditions. 

Organizers from the Santuario de San Antonio Parish’s jail ministry said it was one of the most overcrowded prisons in the metropolis. She had been invited to give a talk on the message of Our Lady of Fatima last June, but despite the warnings, nothing prepared Dee for what she witnessed.

“In a cell built for 20, we had 80-91 people. Those were the statistics given to me. The least crowded had 80, and the most had 91. They take turns sleeping, or if they’re all in there, they sleep standing up,” she said.

At the beginning of her talk, she decided to forego her introduction.

“I’m out of words. I’m speechless. I thought I would come here and see depressed, angry, and frustrated faces. And all I’ve seen so far is deep faith, and deep joy,” said Dee.

Dee had witnessed the way the prisoners prayed the Rosary, heard them sing songs between each mystery, and watched as all hands in the crowded room went up when the jail ministry leader asked: “Who here loves God? Loves Mama Mary? Loves Jesus?” They all replied: “Me!”

Dee was given a chance to visit the cells after her talk. She was first saddened about hearing their situation; then she also felt angry that any human being should be treated in such a way. 

But meeting the detainees changed her. Dee realized although she came to give a message, the prisoners became the message for her instead.

“In this place where one can call hellish, they have brought heaven with their prayers, with their faith, with their love for God. That’s what heaven is … where we together as brothers and sisters worship God in love and joy.”

She said Our Lady of Fatima asked us to be willing to offer our daily prayers and sacrifices for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world, a relevant message for the detainees.

“The message was: don’t waste your suffering. There’s purpose and meaning in your suffering. Mama Mary needs your suffering in order to save others. Suffering offered willingly can help save others’ souls, our own souls.”

Dee has been giving talks about Our Lady of Fatima’s message since its centenary celebration in 2017. Her presentations, usually 2 1/2 hours long and aided along with 200 PowerPoint slides, touch not just on the miracle at Fatima, but also its messages and their relevance during different points in our history.

Dee will next share the message of Fatima at St. Augustine’s Parish in October.