New Delhi: In a profound celebration of mercy and redemption, His Eminence Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, visited the Prison Ministry India (PMI) Rehabilitation Centre at Snehashramam, Vettukad, Thrissur, as part of the PMI Jubilee Convention. The visit marked a historic and grace-filled moment in the ministry’s 40-year journey of healing and transformation for those touched by incarceration.
Upon his arrival, Cardinal Czerny blessed the newly erected St. Dismas Shrine, dedicated to the repentant thief the “Good Thief” who received from Christ the promise of paradise. The shrine stands as a powerful reminder of God’s infinite mercy and the possibility of renewal for every soul. The blessing was followed by a deeply moving public gathering that began with prayers led by the inmates themselves, echoing the transformative spirit that lies at the heart of the ministry’s mission.
Rev. Fr. Varghese Karippery, one of the founding members of PMI and the first Director of Snehashramam, introduced the ceremony by recalling the ministry’s humble beginnings and its growth into a nationwide movement of compassion. Over four decades, PMI has worked tirelessly to bring reconciliation, hope, and justice to the lives of prisoners and their families, reminding society that no one is beyond redemption.
His Grace Most Rev. Mar Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop of Thrissur and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), warmly welcomed the gathering and reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering support for PMI’s work. “This ministry mirrors the mercy of Christ Himself,” he said. “It is a sign that love and forgiveness can restore even the most wounded hearts.”
In his Presidential Address, Cardinal Czerny praised the Indian Church’s unique witness to the Gospel of compassion. “Every act of mercy opens a door not only for the prisoner, but for society itself to be healed and renewed,” he remarked, emphasizing that genuine rehabilitation begins with a change of heart inspired by grace and human solidarity.
The event also featured Most Rev. Fr. Siby Njavallikunnel CMF, Provincial Superior of the St. Thomas Province, and Rev. Fr. George Kannamthanam CMF, who delivered Benedictory Addresses. They highlighted the fruitful collaboration between PMI and various religious congregations that have helped shape rehabilitation and reintegration programs across India.
A particularly touching moment came when Cardinal Czerny personally handed over the key to a newly constructed house to Mrs. Mary Louis a symbolic gesture of rebuilding lives and restoring dignity. The act underscored PMI’s holistic mission: to not only reform prisoners but also to support their families in finding stability and new beginnings beyond prison walls.
Rev. Dr. Francis Kodiyan MCBS, CBCI Secretary to PMI, expressed heartfelt gratitude in his Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the bishops, clergy, religious, volunteers, and benefactors who have sustained the ministry’s vision through prayer and service.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the dignitaries together planted a tree, an enduring symbol of faith, hope, and growth. Watered by the leaders present, it stood as a living testament to the ministry’s enduring mission to nurture life where despair once prevailed.
The PMI Jubilee Convention 2025 concluded in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and renewed commitment to the mission of mercy and transformation. With its theme, “Fallen humans may rise again on wings of prayer,” the convention encapsulated the essence of PMI’s four decades of service affirming that through love, forgiveness, and faith, even the most broken lives can be restored and renewed in God’s grace.