Christmas festivities were joyfully observed at Central Prison Shimoga on December 22, 2023, at 11 am, with the esteemed presence of Most Rev Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga. The event was graced by Dr. Anitha, Superintendent of Central Prison Shimoga, Mr. Shivannadda Shivpuri, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Sushma Jailor, Mr. Sharannaya Hiremath jailor, Mr. Shrishall Kattimani Jailor, Sr. Margret SCB, Headmistress of Mary Immaculate Primary School Shimoga, Sr. Judy SCB, Shimoga Diocesan Coordinator for Health and Pastoral care of the differently able. Sr. Theresa Mascarenhas, Coordinator for Karnataka Prison Ministry Unit, Sr. Helen Moras, Shimoga Diocesan Prison Ministry Coordination, along with teachers and 70 students from Mary Immaculate Primary School.
Most Rev Bishop Francis Serrao conveyed a profound message, urging everyone to embrace their humanity regardless of their background. He emphasized the essence of Christmas as a message of love, highlighting God's decision to become human and experience our existence. The Bishop encouraged living a simple and sinless life, spreading peace, joy, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.
Superintendent Dr. Anitha expressed gratitude to the Prison Ministry, Shimoga unit, for their selfless service, stating that the Christmas celebration brought immense joy to everyone. She highlighted the reciprocal nature of love, emphasizing that our actions reflect our attitudes. The children's meaningful program delivered a beautiful message to cherish always.
Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, presented a Christmas cake to the Superintendent, and Rev Fr. Roshan Pinto, Director of SMSSS (The Shimoga Multi-Social Service Society), generously donated 100 blankets and 700 cake pieces to the inmates. The event was a meaningful Christmas program in the prison, and the Prison Ministry Diocese of Shimoga expressed gratitude to Central Prison Shimoga, especially Superintendent Dr. Anitha, staff and inmates, for their cooperation and support, concluding with a heartfelt wish for God's blessings on all.
