Church in Tamil Nadu Strengthens Prison Outreach at State Conference in Chennai

Chennai, February 27, 2026: Reinforcing the Church’s commitment to mercy, rehabilitation, and pastoral accompaniment, the 25th State Conference of the Tamil Nadu Prison Ministry brought together more than 200 volunteers from 18 dioceses for two days of reflection and planning at the Santhome Pastoral Centre.

Presiding over the inaugural session, Archbishop George Antonysamy of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore and President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council encouraged volunteers to continue witnessing to Christ’s compassion within correctional institutions. The deliberations were guided by Bishop Ambrose Pichaimuthu, Chairman of the state prison ministry, and were attended by Bishop Neethinathan and Bishop Emeritus Peter Remigius, along with priests and diocesan coordinators engaged in prison outreach across Tamil Nadu.

The conference provided a forum for dialogue between Church workers and representatives of the judiciary, prison administration, and civil services. Justice A. D. Jagadish Chandra served as chief guest at the valedictory session. Fr. Rajan of the CBCI Office for Justice, Peace and Development and Dr. Nihila Nagendran, Superintendent of the Special Prison for Women, Puzhal, contributed to discussions on legal aid, prison administration, restorative justice, and post-release rehabilitation.

Senior prison and civil service officials, including the Inspector General of Prisons and retired IPS and IAS officers, shared practical perspectives on correctional care, while Fr. Xavier Arulraj, legal advisor to the bishops’ council, offered insights at the intersection of law and pastoral service.

Throughout the two-day gathering, participants reflected on the Church’s mission to uphold human dignity within correctional facilities through spiritual accompaniment, legal awareness, and social reintegration initiatives. Organisers expressed gratitude to the Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore for his encouragement and acknowledged the efforts of diocesan coordinators and volunteers whose service sustains prison ministry across the state.

By Catholic Connect Reporter