The Effectiveness of Lectio Divina in Enhancing the Spirituality and Hope of Inmates at the Abepura Class Iia Correctional Facility

Abstract

Inmates often experience social stigma, rejection, guilt, and uncertainty about their future, which may affect their spiritual condition and sense of hope. Therefore, spiritual assistance is needed to support their rehabilitation process and reintegration into society. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Lectio Divina as a pastoral approach to enhancing the spirituality and hope of inmates at the Abepura Class IIA Correctional Facility, Papua. This research employed a qualitative approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. The participants were 30 Catholic inmates selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire measuring spirituality and hope indicators before and after participating in the Lectio Divina program. The intervention was conducted through four stages: lectio (Scripture reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation). Data analysis involved descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing using statistical procedures. The findings showed that Lectio Divina contributed to improving inmates’ spirituality and hope. The partial test results indicated a significant relationship between Lectio Divina and spirituality (t = 2.223; p = 0.024) as well as hope (t = 1.321; p = 0.022). These results indicate that Lectio Divina is not only a spiritual practice but also a transformative process that helps inmates find meaning, experience forgiveness, and develop confidence for a better future. This study concludes that Lectio Divina can be developed as an effective pastoral intervention to support spiritual recovery, personal transformation, and the social reintegration of inmates.