The Prison Ministry Sunday was celebrated on August 8, 2010 at the Holy Spirit Church, Margao, Goa. This Sunday is the closest to the feast of St. Maximillian Kolbe, Patron, Prison Ministry. He was a Polish priest who sacrificed his life for a fellow prisoner in the Concentration Camp during the Second World War.

In Goa, the Archdiocese had a concelebrated Mass with His Grace, Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop, Goa and Daman. In his introductory message, he said that we should pledge to actively support and join the army of volunteers who serve in this ministry in Goa. They help in the regeneration and rehabilitation of the inmates in the prisons in Goa.

Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Assistant to the Director of Caritas-Goa, delivered the homily. He very rightly brought the message of the theme of this year, “Together we can change the world.” He said that we all need to bring about a change in our life and collectively change the world. He reminded us of St. Paul who said that we should bear the burdens of one another. He spoke of Archbishop Fulton Sheen who once said that we are all prisoners of our mind and that through our attitude we have created this change and we discriminate among people by showing less concern to certain people in our society. Many are languishing in prisons, at times for no fault of theirs, but become victims of circumstances. Some of them are innocent. They are unable to defend themselves due to various reasons, mainly due to financial difficulties coupled with lengthy legal processes. Fr. Maverick exhorted the laity during the Eucharistic Celebration to pray for a change of our mind and attitude to enable us to do away with the stigma attached to the prisoners. We can bring about a change in our attitude through the inspiration of Jesus Christ. Fr. Maverick appreciated the work rendered by the volunteers who visit the prisons and the judicial lock-ups regularly. They help them in the field of education and equip them with the skills to prepare them to face the world outside and merge with the rest of society.

The faithful prayed for the Universal Church, The Pope, Benedict VI, Archbishop, Filipe Neri Ferrao, Priests and other consecrated people, that they may be powerful instruments of peace and love and help the inmates rejuvenate the image and likeness of Jesus in them. We lifted up in prayer the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Prison Ministry India, which was started in Kerala and the volunteers, that they may be whole-heartedly involved in this Christ- like mission. We also prayed for the wardens in the prisons and the judiciary that they may discharge their duties with love and concern for the inmates. We prayed that there may be a change in our Criminal Justice Systems and other prison reforms.

At the Offertory we offered a dove, a symbol of peace, and prayed that the inmates be granted the peace of mind and freedom. The volunteers offered financial assistance for the education of children of prisoners. This was a token of the united efforts and generosity of the people. Bread and Wine was offered as a symbol of the effort of the volunteers, prison staff and the prisoners.

Sr. Mary Jane sfn, Co-ordinator, Prison Ministry, Goa gave a report on the activities conducted in the prisons, with their families and those of the victims. The volunteers help the prisoners to prepare for various examinations. They help them to keep themselves busy with some activity or the other especially to help them acquire some vocational skills. They have programs that try and bring about an attitudinal change that would help them reintegrate in the society once they are free.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar, an ex-prisoner who on release from the Central Jail in Aguada is actively involved with children with HIV/AIDS in Tivim, Goa, shared with the congregation his testimony of his life in Prison. He is a classic example of the change that happens through the work of Prison Ministry.

Fr. Valeriano Vaz, Director of Caritas Goa, who is actively supporting the activities of the Prison Ministry and who guides us through our Co-ordinator Sr. Jane, expressed his happiness and appreciated the work done by the volunteers and gave a call to people to join the Ministry in Goa. He also thanked the Parish Priest Fr. Ventura Lourenco, his assistant Fr. George Fernandes, the active volunteers of PMI and the parishioners for their co-operation and support in celebrating the Eucharist. He also thanked the choir, comprising of the Youth from the Couples for Christ. His Grace Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao appreciated and thanked the work carried out by Prison Ministry in a very special way.

On this occasion, a folder with a lot of information about the Prison Ministry, prepared by Mr. David Fernandes was also distributed. Sets of these folders were sent to all the parishes for dissemination through Small Christian Communities.

Finally Joanne Fernandes sang a song on the Prison Ministry composed by the animator from Margao, Mr. and Mrs. Felix and Flavia Barros. Their efforts are appreciated by all. It was a pleasure to be with the Archbishop and other priests and religious at a fellowship hosted by the Parish. It was a memorable Sunday.

By Felix Barros