Cristina Santacruz, known as «Titi of Mercy,» has spearheaded an intense prison ministry, bringing faith, formation, and hope.
In recent years, Ecuador has faced a severe crisis of violence and criminality. The prisons in Guayaquil have become some of the most dangerous correctional facilities in the world. However, María Cristina Santacruz, also known as «Titi of Mercy,» has developed an intense catechetical work within this context.
In the program Persecuted but not Forgotten, presented by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and broadcast on Radio María, Titi explained that prison catechesis was born from feeling the same compassion that Jesus felt. Therefore, she affirmed that she no longer sees the prisoner simply as someone to be taught, but as someone who has formed her.
Furthermore, she pointed out that prison ministry has become a mission of radical love. She assured that the only hope for many inmates has been feeling loved and accompanied.
A Conversion That Defined Her Mission
Titi of Mercy shared that she experienced a profound conversion after visiting the prisons. At that time, she inwardly heard God’s call:
“I am waiting for you in here”.
From that moment on, she left her previous life and remained in the prisons. In this way, she embraced her vocation as a missionary catechist in the most difficult trenches. She also explained that this mission seeks not only a “good life,” but also a “good death”. Consequently, she has accompanied sick prisoners until their final moments, inviting them to welcome God’s mercy.
Extreme Challenges and Total Devotion
The catechist recognized that one of the greatest challenges has been remembering that she does not enter in her own name, but in the name of Christ. For this reason, every entry into prison is preceded by intense prayer.
She described extreme conditions: long walks between cellblocks, days without food, and constant uncertainty. However, she stated that her greatest fear is staying outside and sinning by omission. Despite this, she maintained that the power of Christ’s love has torn down physical and spiritual walls. Titi insisted that the mission has been an absolute surrender, not a competition of skills.
A Ministry That Has Transformed the Entire Prison Community
Santacruz emphasized that the prison ministry has impacted the entire community, not just the inmates. Therefore, it has included families, public officials, and healthcare personnel. She explained that many released prisoners have not been welcomed by their families or the labor market. In response, the ministry has created halfway houses and entrepreneurship programs, avoiding mere welfare dependency.
She also highlighted that children and relatives of prisoners have integrated actively into the Church. Thus, young people and former inmates have been formed and now catechize others, giving back what they received.
Urgent Needs to Sustain the Mission
Titi warned that when there is hunger, illness, or pain, the Gospel cannot take root. For this reason, she requested material and spiritual support to continue the mission. Among the needs, she listed:
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Beds and food.
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Transportation.
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Bibles and legal resources.
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The urgent need to train catechists who are solid in faith, values, and principles.
Finally, she shared the testimony of Lucas, a former drug trafficker transformed into an apostle of mercy. His story has proven that, as he used to say, “yes, it is possible” when mercy reaches the heart.
