Udupi: Prison Ministry celebrates feast of patron saint with inmates of district jail

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 18 Aug 2016: Fr Royson Fernandes, assistant parish priest of Holy Rosary parish, here on Thursday August 18, appealed to the prisoners of district jail to repent for the mistakes that have landed them in prison and carve out a better future once released from prison.

 

Fr Fernandes was addressing the prisoners at the district prison located at Hiriyadka, here on Thursday during the programme organized by Prison Ministry of India, to celebrate the feast of patron Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe.

 

 

‘We are born free, but we become victims of vicious circle as we grow into adulthood. There are several people in the prison for the crimes that they committed in a moment of anger or passion. We should not commit crimes in a moment of passion and lust. None of us are insignificant because everyone has conscience. One has to repent for the mistake in this short life on earth to lead worthy lives once released from prison,’ said Fr Fernandes.

 

Fr Francis Cornelio, spiritual director of Udupi diocesan Prison Ministry in his preliminary address briefed about the sacrifice of St Maximilian Maria Kolbe, Polish Capuchin friar who volunteered to die for a stranger in Nazi camp during World War II.

 

The district prison superintendent Shivakumar said that Prison Ministry of India is bringing ray of hope for prisoners in prisons all over the country. He conveyed best wishes for the inmates to lead meaningful lives once out of prison.

 

Prison Ministry secretary Sr Melanie briefed about the humanitarian deeds of their organization.

 

Prison Ministry donated a refrigerator to the district prison on the same occasion.

 

Alwyn Fernades and group presented patriotic and devotional music to entertain the inmates.

 

Fr Franis welcomed the gathering. Walter Martis proposed vote of thanks. Gratian Buthello compered the programme.