Bengaluru: “The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all aware of what it’s like to be a prisoner; to experience isolation and a desperate desire to be connected to the outside world,” observed Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru in his valedictory address on the concluding day of Prison Ministry India (PMI)’s unique ‘Reform to Re-integrate’ programme. The two-week long event held online over Google Meet witnessed 60 eager participants taking part from all over India.
Bringing context to the current times, the prelate in his address said it was only befitting that the function was held on the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, missionaries of Christ.
The Archbishop went on to add that pioneers like Fr Francis Kodiyan (MCBS, PMI co-founder and national coordinator) have created a welcoming heart amongst the volunteers of PMI. He applauded PMI for all their works and efforts in reaching out to the least of the brethren. With words of encouragement, he referred to Prison Ministry as a Pastoral Ministry – a Ministry designed to reach out to all. “Like Jesus, we too are visiting the prisoners, their families and even the victims. We are doing good work sometimes even with small solutions,” he added and said that he was very proud that PMI was based in Bangalore and happy to always support this Ministry.
During this unique initiative held over the past two weeks, the PMI programme focussed on regaining the lost, rights of prisoners, types of prisons and prisoners, human rights and prisoners’ rights and the life experience of reformed prisoner. The training program, conducted every year by the national office in the month of May went online this year due to Coronavirus pandemic.
Since most of the volunteers were new to the PMI, the national team enriched the volunteers with many insights about the themes of Prison Ministry Spirituality, Biblical and Historical perspectives of PMI.
Most Rev Dr Allwyn D’Silva, PMI Chairman, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay in his presidential address, had high appreciation for Fr Francis and Sr Lini Sheeja MSC, the national secretary, for organizing the first-ever online training program for PMI. He also thanked Bishop Machado for gracing this function with his presence as it reaffirms the support and cooperation of the local church.
Bishop Allwyn went on to appreciate the online initiative for training as it has increased the participation due to its convenience for the participants. “While face to face in-person interaction was not possible, we did have some meaningful one on one interaction.”
He added that the training program was very topical and will be extremely helpful in developing the skills of the volunteers, equipping them to serve in this Ministry of Love. He was pleased to note that the role and power of prayer has been rightly given a very important emphasis in this Ministry. He also applauded the experienced volunteers for attending this program and sharing their testimonies and learning with the rest of the group.
Most Rev Dr Peter Machado then released and blessed a souvenir that was designed for this program. This was followed by the awarding of participants’ certificates. Bishop Allwyn had a kind and encouraging word for each participant as his/her certificate was presented.
Fr Benny Pachanal CRSP, assistant national coordinator then released a collage prepared by Juliet and Sr Lini and all the participants and speakers of this program.