On 23 February 2020, CRI of Dimapur Zone conducted a  meeting of the religious who visit the prisons in Dimapur area. The meeting commenced at 2.00 pm in the Conference Hall of Salesian Provincial House, Dimapur. It was presided over by Rev. Fr. Benny SDB, the President of CRI, Dimapur Unit. The meeting began with a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, “Welcome Holy Spirit” after which the members were extended a warm welcome with a beautiful video clip.

There were two speakers who spoke on theme “Prison Ministry’ with their vast experiences in the field of Prison Ministry.  Sr. Letitia D’Silva UFS enlightened the members with her rich experiences at Guwahati prisons. She presented an insightful sharing during her talk. Citing Scriptural quotation, “When I was in prison, you visited me” (Mt 25:36), she urged the need to pray and work for them. Furthermore, it is apt to have interest to be Shepherds to the prisoners as Priests, Sisters, Brothers, etc. She assured that we can play a good role in the prison ministry, trusting in God’s providence. She brought to the notice of the members that the Local Bishop is the chairman for Prison Ministry in the Diocese besides Regional and National levels’ Chairman. She also brought out the possibilities of how to minimize prisoners of which one of the best ways is to motivate the students. Likewise, Sr. Clare Jose FCC, the second speaker, presented another motivating talk on ‘Prison Ministry’ using power point presentation. She stressed upon the true inner thirst based on the Word of God mainly on ‘I Thirst’ (Jn 19:28), The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…. to set the prisoners free (Lk 4: 18-19). Thus, the Lord is asking to us as who can quench this thirst. She elaborated her session with its aim, vision and mission of the prison ministry. Besides, she also cited multiple examples of those who cared for the prisoners from the past history like Jesus, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, etc. Both resource persons spoke much on the need and the importance of prayers for the prisoners and the ministry. The session was conducted in a very lively manner.

Fr. Benny thanked the speakers for their enriching presentation. He added that this is our vocation, all are not meant for it. He divided the participants into four groups and asked them to discuss upon the challenges faced as well as the possibilities to overcome such problems in the prison ministry. Each group was given chance to share their discussion points. Some of them have been highlighted as in the following points:

Difficulties/Challenges                                                             

• Ignorance of legal aspects
• Language barriers
• Limited time
• Lack of interest
• Authorities do not permit certain prisoners to be mingled

Possibilities

• Counseling 
• Learn Language
• Seminar/Awareness programme on legal cell
• Form a team for counseling
• Attending a short-term training for Prison Ministry held at Bangalore

Fr. Benny commented his observation after each reporting by the groups. He also asked all those who go to prison for a short report to be submitted to him which will be published in the website. He reminded that WhatsApp group would be meant only for the purpose. Finally, he expressed his sincere thanks to the resource persons, the unit secretary and the participants. 36 members comprising of priests, sisters and brothers attended the programme. The meeting concluded with a short prayer at 4.00 pm followed by photo session and tea.

By Sr. Agnes Sanihe MSMHC