- 17 October, 2026
VARANASI, October 17, 2026: Prison Ministry India (PMI) opened its 14th National Convention at Nav Sadhana Pastoral Centre in Varanasi on October 17, bringing together Church leaders, prison chaplains, volunteers and other stakeholders to discuss prisoner rehabilitation, human dignity and reintegration into society.
The four-day convention, which concludes on October 20, is being held under the theme, “To Hear the Cry, Heal the Wound, Renew the Hope,” inspired by Psalm 102:20. It aims to strengthen the Church’s response to the needs of prisoners, their families and those affected by incarceration.
The opening day focuses on the plight of prisoners and prayer for inmates worldwide. The programme includes Eucharistic adoration, intercessory prayer and Masses celebrated by Church leaders, including Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal and Bishop Peter Remigius, both former chairpersons of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) for PMI.
Fr Rojan, director of Nav Sadhana Pastoral Centre, will lead the orientation, while Fr Kasper Manimaran, PMI’s Varanasi diocesan coordinator, will deliver the welcome address. A documentary on Prison Ministry India, prepared by Fr Prince Vettukattil MCBS, is scheduled for release by Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi.
The formal inauguration on October 18 will feature Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of Agra, who will celebrate the opening Mass and deliver the keynote address. Sri Rata Krishna Mishra, superintendent of Varanasi Central Prison, is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address, while Archbishop Valan Arasu, CBCI chairperson for PMI, will deliver the presidential address.
A key event will be the handover of the key to the 100th house under PMI’s housing project. The convention will also see the release of five publications: The Burning Bush, Horizons of God’s Providence, The Gospel Behind Bars, Hope Behind Bars and Prison Ministry Sunday Pastoral Letters.
Sessions throughout the convention will examine the spirituality of prison ministry, trauma and healing, prisoner rights, human rights, reformation and reintegration. Regional panel discussions will bring together participants from southern, central, northern and north-eastern India to share experiences and approaches to prison ministry.
On October 19, discussions will focus on recidivism, faith-based rehabilitation, children in conflict with the law and the psychological impact of traumatic prison experiences.
Prof Cyril John Moolakkattu of Christ University, Bengaluru, will address recidivism and the role of faith-based rehabilitation. Rev Dr Antony Sebastian, former juvenile court judge and director of ECHO, Bengaluru, will speak on the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and ECHO’s influence in Asian countries. Mrs Josepheena will share experiences relating to prison trauma.
The programme will also include the PMI General Body Meeting, group reports and the presentation of the convention statement. Sri S. Sreejith, IPS, director general of police, Kerala, is scheduled to speak on correctional reforms and innovations in the state.
The valedictory programme on October 19 will feature addresses by Church leaders, the release of a publication on PMI, prize distribution and recognition of bishops and volunteers involved in the ministry.
The final day, October 20, will focus on the abolition of the death penalty and prayer for PMI volunteers. Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi will celebrate the concluding Mass before delegates depart.
Rooted in the Gospel passage, “I was in prison, you visited me” (Matthew 25:36), Prison Ministry India works with prisoners and their families through pastoral care, rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives. The convention seeks to strengthen this mission by encouraging collaboration among Church leaders, volunteers and correctional stakeholders in promoting the dignity and rights of prisoners.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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