Gwalior, August 23 — The Diocese of Gwalior held a combined observance of Prison Ministry Sunday and Justice Sunday at the IJ Multipurpose Centre in Dabra on August 23, underscoring the Church’s outreach to prisoners and its focus on human dignity and restorative care.
Church leaders reiterate commitment to prisoners and justice
The ceremony, attended by priests, religious sisters and parishioners from neighbouring parishes, featured a Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Pius, the diocesan financial administrator, who also delivered the homily. Bishop Joseph Thykkattil of Gwalior was the chief guest and used the occasion to call for kindness and accompaniment of those in custody.
“Every prisoner is God’s child. Be kind to them and take care of them.”
Bishop Thykkattil also praised volunteers engaged in prison ministry and encouraged them to continue their work of mercy. The event was marked by liturgical singing led by the Dabra Choir and the participation of clergy including Fr. Thomas and Fr. Joseph James.
Recognition of volunteers and local coordination
Members of the diocesan Prison Ministry were honoured for their service during the programme. The recognitions acknowledged the sustained engagement of lay and religious members who accompany prisoners and their families — a core emphasis of the observance that links pastoral care with questions of justice and dignity.
- Event: Prison Ministry Sunday and Justice Sunday observance
- Venue: IJ Multipurpose Centre, Dabra
- Date: 23 August
- Key participants: Bishop Joseph Thykkattil; Fr. Pius; Fr. Thomas; Fr. Joseph James; members of diocesan prison ministry
Fr. Arokia Doss, director of the Diocese’s Prison Ministry, joined the programme virtually and expressed gratitude to those involved in the ministry. Arrangements were coordinated by Fr. Sanu Alunkal, director of the IJ Multipurpose Centre.
Honourees and roles
The diocesan recognitions named a cross-section of lay and religious workers whose efforts support prisoners and their reintegration. Those honoured included:
| Name | Designation/Note |
|---|---|
| Abel Extross | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Bazil | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Ajay Marko | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Phillip | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Helina | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Monika Johnson | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Clara Peardon | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Margret Extross | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
| Sr. Theodosia, MC | Religious worker |
| Sr. Ramya, CSST | Religious worker |
| Perpet Petet | Diocesan Prison Ministry member |
The observance presented the prison ministry as both a pastoral activity and a social engagement that addresses marginalisation. It stressed accompaniment, rehabilitation and respect for the dignity of people who have been convicted or are awaiting trial.
Local significance and broader context
For communities in and around Gwalior, prison ministry combines religious care with social welfare efforts that can affect families left behind when a member is incarcerated. By publicly recognising volunteers, the diocese aims to sustain local engagement and ensure that marginalised people are not overlooked.
While the programme focused on spiritual and pastoral dimensions, it also affirmed the Church’s interest in justice-related concerns and the rehabilitation of prisoners — issues that intersect with state-run correctional policies and civil society support systems in Madhya Pradesh.
The Diocese said the event was intended to renew commitment to mercy and justice and to highlight the role of parish-based volunteers who visit, counsel and assist prisoners and their families.
Fr. Pius led the Mass and homily, the Dabra Choir provided the liturgical music, and the programme concluded with the felicitation of the ministry members. Organisers described the observance as an effort to combine prayerful solidarity with practical recognition of those engaged in service to inmates and their communities.
