Give junkies a chance – Tagle
“Give drug dependents a chance to change their lives.”
This was the appeal made by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle on behalf of returning drug dependents.
“We should never give up on individuals who are perceived to be wasting their lives or who are believed to be useless,” Tagle stressed during the vicariate launching of the Sanlakbay program of the Restorative Justice Ministry of Caritas Manila at the San Juan Bautista Parish (Pinagla-
banan Church) in San Juan.
“Let us not give up and say that this person no longer has hope and we can get rid of him. God will pick him up and someday, that same person might be the one that you will need… We do not know what God’s plans are, for in His hands miracles happen,” the prelate said.
The Sanlakbay program was first la u n c h e d i n Oc t o b e r, 20 1 6 , a s th e Church’s response to the thousands of drug users who voluntarily surrendered to police authorities. In January, Tagle signed a partnership with Fazenda da Esperança (Farm of Hope) to further strengthen the archdiocese’s program to help reform former drug dependents.
The cardinal encouraged social outcasts and drug dependents who want to reform their lives, to remain strong and not to fear… “for the Lord, Himself, will raise them up.” Tagle, likewise, reminded the faithful to work with the Church for the success of the Sanlakbay program.
“Our program is called Sanlakbay, a journey towards a changed life. This cannot be attained in an instant but through perseverance and through joint effort. It is difficult to take the journey alone. We need company, a brother, someone who will walk with us through our journey,” Tagle said.