OFFICIAL - PRISON MINISTRY SUNDAY 2025

Prison Ministry Sunday will be observed in the Archdiocese of Bombay on August 17, 2025. This year, we commemorate a special milestone - the Silver Jubilee of Prison Ministry Mumbai and advocacy for our brothers and sisters behind bars.

Drawing from the words of our Lord Jesus: "I was in prison and you visited me" (Mt 25:36), the Church reaffirms her mission to reach out in compassion to those imprisoned, many of whom live with deep regret, wounds of abandonment, or simply longing for a second chance.

The theme for this year is "Fallen Humans may Rise Again on the Wings of Prayer". As Pope Francis reminded us: "There is no corner of our heart that cannot be touched by God's love. Whenever someone makes a mistake, the Father's mercy is all the more present, awakening repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace." (Homily, Jubilee for Prisoners, St Peter's Basilica, November 6, 2016)

Prison Ministry Mumbai lives out this message through the selfless efforts of volunteers who visit Prisons and Observation Homes, offering presence, prayer, and the healing touch of Christ. I invite every parish to mark this day in prayer, remembering all those in prison, their families, the prison officials, and especially the volunteers who serve quietly and faithfully. I also encourage the faithful to support this ministry in practical ways: through prayer, material assistance, or by volunteering.

To learn more or to get involved, you may contact the team at Centre for Peace Trust on E-mail: drtcjpc@gmail.com/archprisonministry@gmail.com or +91 98200 93121

As a Church, may we walk together in this mission of mercy.

✠ John Rodrigues

Archbishop of Bombay

August 11, 2025