Karnataka Prison Ministry Coordinators Urged to Become ‘Coordinators of Compassion’

Shimoga, September 1, 2026: Prison Ministry India (PMI) coordinators in Karnataka have been urged to become “Coordinators of Compassion” who build meaningful relationships with prisoners and accompany them towards rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Bishop Duming Dias of Karwar made the appeal while presiding over the Karnataka Regional PMI Executive Committee meeting at Sannidhi Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Shimoga on August 30.

Representatives from nine Catholic dioceses in Karnataka gathered to discuss and finalise proposed Prison Ministry activities for 2027 and 2028 for submission to the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC).

Bishop Duming, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga and Episcopal Adviser to Prison Ministry India, said prison ministry should not be seen merely as a charitable activity but as a calling and vocation.

“Whenever you enter a prison, ask yourself: ‘Who can I become for Christ in the prison?’” he told the participants.

The bishop said prison visits must go beyond occasional acts of service and lead to meaningful relationships with inmates. Warning volunteers against becoming “tourists of charity,” he said their presence should have a lasting impact on the lives of prisoners.

He stressed the need to uphold the dignity of every prisoner, irrespective of their past, and said PMI volunteers should serve as bridges between the Church and prisoners.

A coordinator, he said, should provide leadership, identify and train new volunteers, maintain discipline and confidentiality, and help prisoners move towards rehabilitation and reintegration.

Bishop Duming urged the coordinators to remain committed to the “Four R's” of Prison Ministry—Reformation, Rehabilitation, Release and Reintegration.

Describing the qualities required of a coordinator, he said they should possess the heart of a shepherd rather than a judge, the patience of a farmer, the integrity of Joseph and the prayerfulness of Jesus.

Dr. Michael Noronha, Karnataka PMI Coordinator, presented the objectives of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) concerning socially excluded people and explained the relevance of the Synodal pathway to prison ministry.

He also introduced a new format for regional PMI reports and presented draft activities for 2027 and 2028. After detailed discussions and suggestions from the participants, the proposed activities were approved.

Participants also discussed challenges related to gaining access to prisons and coordinating with prison authorities. Practical guidance was provided to help facilitate smoother prison visits and strengthen the ministry's outreach.

Holy Mass was celebrated during the gathering, with Bishop Duming presiding and Fr. Devenesam and Fr. Maxim SJ concelebrating.

Sr. Kesari Fernandes SCB, PMI Coordinator of the Diocese of Shimoga, led the opening prayer, while Sr. Helen Moras SCB, Assistant Coordinator of Karnataka PMI, welcomed the participants.

Ms. Veera Pinto, Secretary of Karnataka PMI, read the minutes, and Mr. Walter Martis, Treasurer, proposed the vote of thanks.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen Prison Ministry across Karnataka and accompany prisoners with compassion, dignity, faith and hope as they journey towards reformation, rehabilitation, release and reintegration.

By Fr. Arul Selva Kumar