- 18 December, 2025
Shimoga, Dec. 18, 2025: Christmas is a call to rediscover love, patience and inner transformation, speakers said during a Christmas celebration and Jubilee Year 2025 closing programme organised by Prison Ministry India (PMI), Shimoga Diocesan Unit, at the Central Prison (Men) here on Wednesday.
Addressing inmates, priest Stany D’Souza said the essence of Christmas lay in embracing love and peace, which he described as the true purpose of human life. He urged prisoners to reflect on these values and allow them to guide personal change. Santhosh M.S., Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority and Judge, said time spent in prison should be seen as an opportunity for introspection and reform, encouraging inmates to work towards self-improvement and prepare for reintegration into society.
Priest Lancy D’Souza told the gathering that every individual carried inherent goodness and called on inmates to recognise and nurture the positive values already within them. The programme was attended by prison officials, clergy, religious and volunteers, including Central Prison Chief Superintendent Ranganath and Assistant Superintendent Preethi.
The celebration also featured a cultural programme by children of St Charles Primary School, whose performances conveyed messages of hope, peace and compassion, drawing an enthusiastic response from inmates.
As part of the celebration, PMI distributed spectacles to inmates and inaugurated a water purification facility for prison staff. Organisers said the Christmas and Jubilee Year programme was aimed at reinforcing dignity, hope and the possibility of renewal within the prison environment.
PMI officials thanked the prison administration for facilitating the event, describing the celebration as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to reformative and restorative approaches within correctional institutions.
By Sr. Helen Moras
Coordinator, Prison Ministry India
Shimoga Diocesan Unit
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