By Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru: Hundred of prisoners from different religious backgrounds gathered in the Central Prison in Bengaluru to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The prison, situated on the outskirts of the southern Indian city, is home to some 6,000 prisoners.
The event was organized on December 20 by the Bangalore unit of the Prison Ministry India (PMI).
Volunteers, prison officials, students, friends and well wishers of the PMI were also present at the celebrations.
Sister Adele Korah, coordinator of the Bangalore PMI, in her welcome address said that the Christmas gathering is an annual event organized at the prison.
Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore in his message reminded that Jesus came to the world to save all people, not just Christians alone.
He urged people to imbibe the spirit of Christmas like peace, joy, love and kindness, and to practice them in their day to day life.
One of the highlights of the celebrations was the dance performance of local school children, including the children of prisoners.
A comedy show in the form of a skit was also presented by the students of the archdiocese-run St Aloysius College in the city.
The PMI was founded in 1981 by four seminarians in Kerala.
Fr Sebastian Vadakumpadan, national coordinator of the PMI, told the gathering that there are more than 6,000 volunteers working in the 800 plus units of the PMI across the country.
He also paid tributes to Archbishop Moras for being the most supportive prelate in India to the work of the PMI.
The Bangalore-headquartered PMI is recognized by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India.
The PMI works for the release, renewal and rehabilitation of prisoners.