Mysuru: The Diocese of Mysore celebrated the Silver Jubilee of its Commission for Prison Ministry on Aug. 27, marking 25 years of compassionate service in communion with the Universal Jubilee of Hope, themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together.’ The celebrations, held at the Catholic Centre, Diocesan Pastoral Centre, brought together clergy, religious and lay faithful committed to this mission of mercy.

A Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore, alongside Bishop Emeritus Thomas Antony Vazhapilly. Msgr. Alfred John Mendonca, several priests and members of religious congregations concelebrated the liturgy.

Distinguished guests included Sr. Amala DC, National Secretary of Prison Ministry India and Fr. Francis Kodiyan MCBS, Co-founder and National Coordinator of Prison Ministry India.

National and State-level Secretaries, coordinators and nearly 200 participants — priests, religious sisters and brothers, volunteers, and lay faithful — were present, reflecting the nationwide reach of Prison Ministry India.

In his homily, Archbishop Moras recalled Christ’s own suffering as a prisoner before Pilate, urging the faithful to see Christ in every inmate. He called upon members of the Ministry to serve prisoners with mercy and love while also working to prevent young people from falling into destructive paths.

The liturgy was enriched by a choir whose hymns created an atmosphere of prayerful reverence. The Silver Jubilee programme, held under the theme ‘Go Green, Go Clean – Green Campus, Clean Campus,’ featured a dramatic presentation on the life of St. Augustine by the Capuchin Brothers, powerfully depicting his transformation from a life of sin to sainthood.

Past and present members of the Mysore Unit of Prison Ministry were honoured for their dedicated service. Coordinator Michael Noronha presented the unit’s history, tracing its growth, challenges and milestones over the years. Cultural programmes added vibrancy to the celebration, with performances of songs, dances and skits conveying themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, creation care and solidarity with the marginalised.

The Silver Jubilee celebration stood as a moment of gratitude, renewal and recommitment to the Mission of Prison Ministry: to be messengers of hope, healing and transformation. Inspired by the Archbishop’s call, participants carried forward the determination to journey together as pilgrims of hope, building a society rooted in forgiveness, reconciliation and love, stated a press release from Fr. Arul Selva Kumar, Coordinator of Diocesan Commissions.