13 AUGUST 2023, MALLIGE MANE, SHIMOGA:
The Prison Ministry volunteers' orientation programme was held on Sunday, 13 August 2023 at the Bishop's House, Mallige Mane, Shimoga, to mark the Prison Ministry Sunday. 19 PMI volunteers were present for this programme. Most Rev. Bishop Francis Serrao SJ being the Episcopal Advisor for PMI, Karnataka State, addressed the group and explained the spirituality and the origin of Prison Ministry referring the context of the Old and New Testament. The Bishop also appreciated everyone for taking up this challenging ministry the Diocese to reach out to the last,least and the lost.
Sr Theresa Mascarenhas the State coordinator for Prison Ministry explained to the group regarding anti human trafficking with facts and figures. Sr Helen Moras, the coordinator for Shimoga Diocesan PMI unit presented the report of the prison ministry, mainly working in Shimoga, Chitradurga and Davangere. Further she said that through our prayers and sacrifices we are able to reach out many provided we have a generous heart to move forward with uncertainty.
Fr Eugene Lobo SJ was generous enough to break the Word of God for us through Eucharist. We prayed for all the volunteers of PMI who are tirelessly working for the people behind bars. We did pray for the prison victims and their authorities that they may be kind enough to care for them.
After the lunch we had a fruitful discussion and sharing session. At 2.30 pm we concluded the orientation programme with a vote of thanks and thanksgiving hymn to God.
