HOLY MONDAY
LOLA MATWA
He will not lose hope or courage. – Isaiah 42:4
“Me, lose hope and courage?” Lola Matwa
would utter whenever the topic of liberation from imprisonment at the
Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) was mentioned. She’d usually
follow it by saying, “Even sardines are set free, so I’m sure to get out
of here!”
Lola Matwa
was one of the old women serving sentence for illegal recruitment and
estafa. She regularly attended the Light of Jesus Family fellowship
every second Saturday of the month inside the institution. She was an
elementary teacher during her younger years until she was involved in
recruiting overseas contract workers whose deployment never
materialized.
Lola Matwa’s
positive attitude inspired her fellow inmates in CIW. As a member of
the Legion of Mary, she also taught others the basic Catholic prayers
and the Holy Rosary, and how to read the Holy Bible.
Lola Matwa’s deepest longing finally came true when she received executive clemency from former President Arroyo. Overwhelmed, Lola Matwa repeatedly bragged, “I told you, even sardines are able to get out — but only without their heads! But here I am with a strong, firm faith, never losing hope that I would be free — and with my head still on!” Beth Corral (bethcorral_0330@yahoo.com)
Reflection: When you’re hopeless and discouraged, be firm in your faith that Jesus never forsakes those who call on Him.
When I lose hope and become discouraged, Lord Jesus, help me!
St. Peter Regalado, pray for us.
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