Journal of Social Research
Vol. 5 No. 10 (2026): Journal of Social Research

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

David Dapi (Universitas Katolik Fajar Timur Papua)
Ignasius Ngari (Universitas Katolik Fajar Timur Papua)
Norbertus Labu (Sekolah Tinggi Pastoral Atma Reksa Ende)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Sep 2026

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.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijsr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Social Research is a double blind peer-reviewed academic journal and open access to social and scientific fields. The journal is published monthly by International Journal Labs. The Journal of Social Research provides a means for sustained discussion of relevant issues that fall ...