Archbishop Ledesma Leads Blessing of

Candle Making Workshop

By Leina Nonoy

On October 20, 2020, the newly-constructed candle making workshop located at Terry Hills
Chapel grounds, Bulua was blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD,
together with Most Rev. Jose A. Cabantan SSJV, DD. Also present were Fr. Lourdesio Armstrong
Balacuit, the Director of Prison Ministry, Fr. Hawthorn Galas, Fr. Macky Ceballos, and Fr. Fermin
Tan, SSJV.
The candle making workshop started in July 2018 by Ms. Heidi Muller, a Columban Missionary
assigned in Prison Ministry at the San Augustine Cathedral Cagayan de Oro City. She trained 32
persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and Volunteers in Prison Service (VIPS) to equip them with
skills so that they can have a decent livelihood while waiting for their release. The shop
produces candles and sold them to all parishes in the archdiocese.
The construction was completed with the help of the generous donors and from the proceeds
of the Cebuano film, Dante, the Musical. The Prison Ministry through its Coordinator, Gilda
Pates is grateful to the efforts of the VIPS local coordinators for their unwavering
commitment to help the persons deprived of liberty.