The Theme for the year is: ” FALLEN HUMANS MAY RISE UP AGAIN ON WINGS OF PRAYER.”
Welcome to the Prison Ministry India Goa—–a ministry for the welfare of inmates in prisons, their families and the families of the victims. Prisoners in particular, those convicted and sentenced, have a great need to look forward to the day of release when they can walk the streets once again as free men and women.
A second chance is what they cry for. They say, “Give us a second chance.” Hope is vital component for prisoner’s psychology.” It is hope which motivates and inspires them to live out their sentences in a dignified and uplifting manner and become better men and women. PMI is based on the solid foundation of prayer, fast and sacrifices advocated by the founding fathers and continued by many of our volunteers. We pray before entering the gates of the prison.
Every year Prison Ministry India- Goa has celebrated the feast of St. Maximillian Kolbe, Our Patron Saint. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of August, although the feast is on 14th August. St. Kolbe would always comfort the prisoners with the words “Hate is not creative; our sorrow is necessary so that those who live after us may be happy.”
PMI is a response of the Church to the words of Jesus, “I was in prison and you visited me.” We all know that the Prison Ministry in Goa was started by Sr. Mary Jane SFN and under her guidance the Ministry grew. We the volunteers are still inspired by her, under the guidance and supervision of Caritas Goa.
The “PMI VISION” is to restore freedom, honor and dignity.
In the “PMI MISSION” volunteers commit themselves to the Release, Renewal and Rehabilitation of our brethren behind bars. These 3 “R” Theory proposed by Rev. Fr. Varghese Kerrippery, one of our founding fathers, help inmates to lead a better life. We follow the principle of Trust in God’s Providence, Inconvenience is our convenience and begging our life style in order to form a new society.
Our late Pope Francis and our Archbishop His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão in this Jubilee Year 2025 with the theme ‘Hope does not disappoint us’ (Rom.5:5), reminds us of our mission towards prisoners. In his concern towards prisoners Late Pope Francis opened one of the Holy Doors in a prison, inviting the prisoners to look to the future with hope and a renewed sense of confidence. Whereas our beloved Archbishop has come up with practical suggestions meant for prisoners, and their families in his pastoral letter 2025-26 (Section 1.2. Practical Suggestions)
We carry out welfare activities such as, fellowship celebrating birthdays, festivals and days of National and International importance. We impart education specially to read and write. We have opportunity to teach music and drawing and painting and of course, we extend help in providing security deposits for inmates going on Parole/Furlough. Prison Ministry comes to their aid. We have Rehabilitation homes for released prisoners and we also have Kolbe Homes for housing the children of convicts. The children are sent to schools.
It is a benevolent gesture of our donors/ well-wishers that make it possible for PMI to carry on with the welfare activities. We also invite parishes to perform programs for the inmates. Recently, three Parishes celebrated Easter. It was a grand success. The inmates enjoyed every moment. It is our earnest desire to be with the inmates to give them the hope which they require.
Prison Ministry India Goa, pray for our benefactors who mean so much to us as they make it possible for us to have welfare activities for the least, last and the lost. God Bless them.
Felix Barros,
PMI Volunteer.