By Bishop Most Rev Allwyn D’Silva, PMI Chairman –
Corona outbreak devastates humanity. Mankind undergoes an unparalleled crisis. COVID-19 epidemic paralyzed most of the countries even the superpowers. Science admits its limitations amidst the rapid spread of coronavirus. Lockdown reigns everywhere. Thousands succumb to death disastrously. The number of corona infected victims augment alarmingly. Millions are quarantined in homes and shelters. Doctors, nurses and paramedical are fatigued. Are we undergoing a time like that of Noah (Gen 6-9)? Is the current situation like that of Sodom Gomorrah (Gen 18-19)? In this pandemic state what shall we do as Prison Ministry India members?
All of us know that the ultimate goal of Prison Ministry India (PMI) is the reformation and redemption of the lost, the sinners, the prisoners. In a broad sense the goal of PMI is the renewal and redemption of the humankind. Hence it is the duty of PMI to redeem mankind by leading them to repentance and reformation. COVID-19 invites us to intensify our endeavor of redeeming the lost with much vigor and vitality. For Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Lk 19,10). “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mt 3,8). How shall we do this?
One of the impacts of COVID-19 is the lockdown and it seriously affected our brethren behind the bars. Pope Francis prayed for prisoners and their families who are unable to visit them because of the strict social-distancing measures. On 19 March 2020 he exhorted us in the beginning of his morning Mass, “Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are in prison. They suffer so much because of the uncertainty of what will happen inside the prison and thinking about their families”.
Joining with the Holy Father we shall ask forgiveness of God for the sins of mankind. Let us participate as often as possible in Holy Masses and take part in Eucharistic Adorations and offer them for this intention. Let us recite rosaries, divine mercy chaplet and pray the way of the cross as often as possible with this intention. We shall do penance and sacrifices for the remission of the sins of mankind. In a special way we shall pray and fast for prisoners, prison officials and their families.
PMI volunteers are requested to provide masks and sanitizers to prisoners and if possible, provide tailoring machines to prisons to produce masks. Teach prisoners how to make sanitizers and provide them the raw materials. Already many of our volunteers provided tailoring machines to prisons so as to produce masks. If any state or diocese or unit does not have sufficient fund for this, please let me know. The PMI National Office would be happy to provide financial assistance. Please make your request through the state coordinator.
Social distancing is the rule of the time. Serve the people of God keeping the rule of the state. If you keep the rule, the rule will keep you safe. It’s the time to stay at home, a time to return to God, a time to drink the Word of God, a time to recite the name of Jesus and a time to repent about our own sins and do penance for the sins of humankind.
Many prisons release prisoners to reduce overcrowding and thereby to maintain social distancing. Make use of this perfection of time to release prisoners and assist those who are released. See their need and be ready to express the caring and forgiving love of Jesus through our charitable deeds. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25, 40).
Thousands died of COVID-19. God blessed us in a special way by protecting us from the epidemic and allowed us to continue serve Him. As a sign of our gratefulness to the Lord we shall pledge to live gracefully, leading a moderate life, pleasing God and serving the lost, the sinners, and prisoners. As a thanksgiving for saving us from COVID-19 epidemic, let us make a pledge that the rest of my life I will dedicate 10% of my time, talent, energy and richness to the conversion and salvation of sinners.
As Pope Francis stated during his urbi et orbi benediction we are caught up in a turbulent storm but Jesus will calm the tempest and peace will reign again. With great faith, let us pray, “wake up Lord” (Mk 4,32). If Jesus is on our boat there will be no shipwreck. We have an anchor: by his cross we have been saved. We have a rudder: by his cross we have been redeemed. We have a hope: by his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us from His redeeming love.
Prison Ministry India, 52 Thomas Layout, Sarjapur Road, Carmelaram PO, Bengaluru 560035, Karnataka – India; Tel. 9447710488, 9588900370; Email: [email protected]; www.prisonministryindia.org