Mangalore: It was a momentous occasion for the Prison Ministry India Delegation to have a special audience with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Rome, prior to the Jubilee Mass of Hope for prisoners.The meeting marked a grace-filled occasion for the delegation, led by Rev. Dr. Francis Kodian MCBS, National Coordinator and Co-founder of PMI, and consisted of Rev. Fr. Varghese Kariperry, Co-founder of PMI,Sr. Amala DC, National Secretary of PMI and Prof. Edmund Frank, Coordinator of the Diploma Programmes for Prisoners and PMI Volunteers, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangalore.The Prison Ministry India continues to make a profound impact on the lives of prisoners across India.
On 12 and 13 December 2025, two days of study,
prayer, discussions and testimonies were organized at FraternaDomus in Sacrofano,
Rome by the General Inspectorate of Italian Prison Chaplains. On 14 December at
8.30 am was the Pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica followed at
9.30 am was the audience with the Holy Father and at 10.00 am was Jubilee Mass.
Pope
Leo XIV led the Jubilee of prisoners Mass, a major event for the Holy year
2025, a solemn celebration dedicated to prisoners, their
families, and all those committed to their rehabilitation and transformation.
With the theme: Hope, Mercy, Redemption and Rehabilitation, the Holy father pointed
out that while prisoners may be judged by their actions, they should never be
defined solely by their past mistakes and that justice should always be
a process of reparation and reconciliation.
The Jubilee Mass was attended by over 6,000
pilgrims who registered from around 90 countries including former and present
prisoners and juveniles from many prisons in Italy, Spain, Portugal and other
countries along with their families, prison staff, chaplains, correctional
officers and prison administrators. Participants came from across Europe, the
Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania including Italy, Spain, Portugal, United
Kingdom, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Madagascar, Malta,
United States, Philippines, Taiwan, Australia and India. Participants were
primarily associated with Prison Ministries rather than official state
delegations.
Pope Leo’s homily addressing both
prisoners and those who serve in the penal system highlighted the grave
challenges facing the global prison system, mainly overcrowding, prison
conditions, insufficient access to educational and rehabilitation programmes,
and lack of stable job opportunities for inmates. He acknowledged the tireless
efforts of prison staff, social workers, and volunteers, recognizing that the
task they face is not easy but remains crucial for the future of society.
The Pope
called for a justice system that prioritizes reconciliation, mercy, and
rehabilitation, emphasizing that justice should be a process of healing, not
punishment.
In a compassionate appeal, he urged a spirit of
charity and forgiveness not only for prisoners but also for those who guard and
manage the prison systems.
The Pope concluded his homily
by offering a message of
hope, stating that "hope is a divine power essential for life" and
that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has the potential for redemption.
The Communion Hosts used were produced by
prisoners.Since 2016, more than 300 prison inmates
are involved in making Communion Hosts for more than 15,000 dioceses, religious
communities and parishes in Italy and other countries symbolising hope and
transformation.
Back at St Aloysius Institutions Mangalore, Rev Fr Melvin Pinto SJ Rector, Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ Vice Chancellor, members of the Faculty and College Alumni Association members expressed joy and jubilation that one among them and recipient of the prestigious 'Eminent Aloysian Alumni Award' Prof Edmund Frank could meet and greet the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಈಗ ಸ್ವದೇಶಿ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಜಾಲತಾಣ Arattai ನಲ್ಲಿ... ನಮ್ಮ ಚಾನೆಲ್ಗೆ ನೀವೂ ಜಾಯಿನ್ ಆಗಿ.
ನಿರಂತರ ಅಪ್ಡೇಟ್ಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಟೆಲಿಗ್ರಾಂ ಚಾನೆಲ್ಗೆ ಜಾಯಿನ್ ಆಗಿ
ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್’ ಫೇಸ್ಬುಕ್ ಪುಟ ಲೈಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ
ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ವಾಟ್ಸಪ್ ಗ್ರೂಪ್ಗೆ ಜಾಯಿನ್ ಆಗಲು ಈ ಲಿಂಕ್ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ
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