11 December 2023
The Prison Ministry of India, Shimoga Unit, celebrated Christmas at the Central Women’s Prison Shivamogga on Monday 11 December 2023 for the inmates and officials. Sr Eliz Lurdh SCB who organised the programme made the welcome speech and greeted the Prison officials and the inmates. She explained briefly what Christmas means to all of us without distinction of caste and creed. She placed before them how this feast brings us peace and joy in our hearts.
Fr Vinodh Saldanha, SJ gave an inspiring and apt Christmas message and explained in simple words the birth of Jesus, the meaning of crib where Jesus was born, the origin of Christmas Tree and the real meaning of Santa Claus where the adults and children enjoy the gifts and the exchange of them. He stressed on the coming of Jesus to dwell among us the humans to share his unconditional Love, Joy and Peace. Mr Davis Tharagan made a meaningful and touching prayer seeking the blessings of Jesus on each one of us. In devotional way he explained how Baby Jesus touches our lives. Children from Mary Immaculate Higher Primary School put up a Christmas play, sang Christmas Carols and put up a cultural programme.
It was good to see many inmates join in the Carol singing. The Prison Officials whole heartedly thanked the volunteers and children for their generous contribution of time and providing such creative items. The Prison Ministry of India is grateful to Mr Patrick Lobo and Vincent de Paul Associates who generously contributed to provide good Christmas meal to all the inmates and the police personnel. The programme ended with vote of thanks and all singing the carol, Jingle Bells.
