New Delhi: The Prison Ministry India (PMI) Jubilee Convention, a landmark celebration of faith, compassion, and service to the incarcerated, concluded with a resounding call to restore human dignity and hope. The three-day event, held at NESTT, Muvattupuzha, culminated with the Valedictory Session on 30 October and the Closing Eucharistic Celebration on 31 October 2025, marking a milestone in PMI’s 40-year journey of mercy and transformation.
The Valedictory Session opened with a solemn prayer service led by the PMI Ernakulam Zone, invoking divine grace upon the mission and its thousands of volunteers across India. Rev. Dr. Francis Kodiyan MCBS, CBCI Secretary to Prison Ministry India and National Coordinator, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, bishops, and participants, commending the tireless dedication of PMI members who have carried the light of faith into places of suffering and despair.
Delivering the Inaugural Address, His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, reflected deeply on the essence of restorative justice as a ministry of healing.
“The Gospel calls us not merely to reform systems but to restore persons to see Christ in every prisoner,” he said, urging the faithful to view rehabilitation as a sacred act of renewal.
During the session, Archbishop Thattil also released “The Beginning,” a commemorative volume authored by Rev. Fr. Varghese Karippery, cofounder of PMI, chronicling the ministry’s humble origins and its early days of compassionate outreach to prisoners and their families.
In his Presidential Address, His Eminence Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ, Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, Vatican City, lauded PMI for embodying the Church’s mission of mercy and human development.
“When mercy touches broken humanity, both are transformed the giver and the receiver,” he affirmed.
Cardinal Czerny also released “PMI Rehabilitation Centers: Theories and Praxes,” a research-based work by Rev. Dr. Francis Kodiyan MCBS, offering a theological and sociological framework for prison rehabilitation within the Indian context.
Most Rev. Mar Jose Pulickal, Chairperson of the CBCI Commission for PMI, in his Benedictory Address, highlighted the ministry’s prophetic role in renewing the human spirit. He released “Beyond Bars A New Dawn for Life after Incarceration,” authored by Sr. Amala DC, which captures powerful testimonies of reformation and second chances.
Former PMI Chairpersons Most Rev. Allwyn D’Silva and Most Rev. Peter Remigius shared their reflections on PMI’s journey of faith and perseverance. They jointly released “Rehobot From Prison to Purpose,” written by Sr. Santan Nago FS, and the PMI Jubilee Souvenir, meticulously compiled by Prof. Edmund Frank, chronicling PMI’s milestones and the voices of hope born behind bars.
Rev. Fr. Varghese Karippery, cofounder of PMI, delivered a moving reflection, recounting the ministry’s growth from a small prayer group to a nationwide apostolate recognized by the Vatican and Indian Church hierarchy. His testimony resonated deeply with participants as he described PMI as “a divine movement born from compassion, sustained by prayer, and led by grace.”
In a touching gesture, Cardinal Czerny honoured PMI volunteers from across India, acknowledging their years of selfless service in rehabilitation centers, prisons, and family outreach initiatives.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Sr. Amala DC, National Secretary of PMI, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all bishops, clergy, volunteers, collaborators, and benefactors for their unwavering support. She emphasized that the Jubilee celebration was not an end but “a renewed beginning to walk with the marginalized and proclaim the mercy of Christ through service.”
The Convention concluded with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, echoing the ministry’s enduring motto, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – To the Greater Glory of God,” and the Gospel call that continues to inspire its mission:
“I was in prison, and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36)
Through this Jubilee, PMI reaffirmed its sacred commitment to transform lives, restore dignity, and keep alive the flame of hope in the hearts of the forgotten.