Prison Ministry India – Ajmer Unit

A Two-Day Seminar

A two day seminar on Prison Ministry India was organized by Ashadeep (Ajmer Unit of Prison Ministry India) at Naveenta Pastoral Centre, Ajmer on Saturday 11^th November 2017. Fr. Jerish, the local organizer welcomed the participants for the seminar. The inauguration of the seminar was done by Most Rev. Bishop Pius of Ajmer Diocese.

In his inaugural address he said that all priests, nuns and lay people should reach out to prisoners in the jails of Rajasthan. This is the command of the Lord that when I was in the prison you came to visit me. He also encouraged participants to full involve in the jail ministry.

The resource person of the day CBCI National Coordinator for the Prison Ministry India, Fr. Sebastian said that the inconvenience is our convenience in serving various prisoners in the country. He explained various ways wherein we can reach out to the prisoners. Medical Camps, Counsellling, Educational training for the inmates, Legal Aid, Beauty Parlour etc. are some of the ways to serve the prisoners.

The topic on the Prison Ministry Spirituality was dealt by Fr. Franics Kodian (one of the founding member of Prison Ministry India), who emphasized on the importance of prayer. He asked the participants to pray for the prisoners. It is essential to involve the name of trinity. One should do ministry with divine providence and care. “Service without sacrifice is like prayer without devotion”, he added.

Fr. Norbert Herman SVD and Sr. Sangeetha MSA coordinators from Udaipur and Ajmer shared their experiences of while working in the jail. D L Tripathy State V.P. People’s Union for Civil Liberties, (PUCL) highlighted the importance of working for the welfare of inmates in the jail.

The formation of State Executive Committee was also done during the meeting and discussions. Fr. Norbert Herman SVD was elected Rajasthan State Coordinator, Fr. Reegan (Assistant Coordiantor) from Ajmer, Fr. Stephen (Secretary) from Jaipur, Fr. Mukesh (Treasurer) from Jodhpur, and Sr. Sangeetha MSA, Sr. Jessy FCC, Sr. Lillian PSA, Mrs. Pramila Fernandez, Mr. Herold A. Singh were elected as the executives for three years of the Committee. Fr.Sanchit and Fr.Ajay coordinator for North India and West Bengal were also present. The participants were solely from Ajmer, Jaipur and Udaipur dioceses of Rajasthan.