New Delhi: The first international convention of Prison Ministry India opened with a message of hope and renewal, reminding everyone that even those who have fallen can rise again through prayer and compassion. The four day gathering, held in New Delhi, brought together hundreds of priests, nuns, lay volunteers and international participants who dedicate their lives to helping prisoners find healing and dignity.
The event, themed “Fallen humans may rise again on wings of prayer,” marked a major milestone for Prison Ministry India, an initiative under the Catholic Bishops Conference of India that works for the spiritual and social rehabilitation of prisoners. The convention focused on the ministry’s seven guiding principles – reach out, reformation, reconciliation, release, rehabilitation, reintegration and redemption.
Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, who addressed the opening session, said that every prisoner carries within them the spark of God and deserves mercy, understanding and a chance for a new life. He called on society to see prisoners not as outcasts but as brothers and sisters who can rebuild their lives with support and compassion.
During the inauguration, several important publications were released to inspire those involved in prison ministry. These included “From Captivity to Calling The Legacy of Prison Ministry India” by Fr Francis Kodiyan MCBS, “An Inner Spiritual Journey Through Prison Walls” by Sr Marina Gulati CSJ, “Chains to Wings Stories of Grace from Prison Ministry” by Sr Sherly Kidangan OSB and “Understanding Crime, Prison and Forensics” by Prof Edmund Frank.
The convention featured Eucharistic celebrations, talks by international speakers, personal stories from reformed prisoners and discussions on how the Church can work more closely with government correctional institutions to improve the lives of inmates.
Organizers described the event as both a celebration of 25 years of dedicated service and a step toward the future. Participants reflected on how prayer, forgiveness and compassion can open new paths of healing and transformation for those in prison.
For decades, Prison Ministry India has worked across the country to provide counseling, legal aid, skill training and post release support to prisoners and their families. The international convention underlined that this mission of mercy is not only national but also global, echoing the universal Christian call to care for the lost and the forgotten.
The event concluded with a message of unity and hope, reminding all that true change begins when hearts are moved by forgiveness. As the gathering ended in prayer, the words “fallen humans may rise again on wings of prayer” echoed through the hall, expressing the spirit of the entire convention — that through faith and love, every broken life can find a new beginning.