Prisoners in Rehli sub-jail in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, thank a Church group led by some Sisters of Jesus for helping them see brighter side of life during this Christmas season.

One of them, Sudhama Ahirwar, says the Church group’s continuous visits and counseling have made him change.

“I am positive about life now and look forward to leading a good life after I get out of the jail,” said Ahirwar, who has been in the jail with 11 family members for almost two years in a murder case.

The programs the Church groups organize in the jail help its102 inmates “relieve tension and feel happy,” he said showing a pair of socks he won in a sports competition.

The competition was part of the Dec. 22 Christmas-related programs the Church group organized in the jail. Other programs included games, discourses and distribution of sweets.

The group included 32 girls, who presented attractive dances and songs.

“We wanted to tell them that they are not alone; we love them and care for them,” said Sister Mereena Antony of Sisters of Jesus, who organized the programs.

The nun said under trial prisoners spend time in “total confusion” about an uncertain future. “As Christians, it is our duty to explain the forgiving love of Christ and help them see the positive side of the life,” she said.

The nun, a regular visitor to the jail for the past three years, said the Church team conducted singing and dancing and other cultural programs for the inmates and involved them in the programs.

Jailor Ajay Khare told UCA News the Church group’s activities “have always been a real help boost the morale of the inmates.” The Church people’s involvement has brought visible change in inmates and lauded their efforts, he told UCA News.

Sagar diocesan priest Father Joselee Cyrakkove, a member of the Church team, said in his discourses he stressed to “forget the past and be optimistic.”

Such programs help inmate look at life anew, said Manish Sen, 21, who was jailed for killing his wife for dowry. He clams his wife committed suicide.

“Now I’m hopeful of starting a new life after my release from the jail,” he told the UCA News, adding “it is nice to know that people care for persons like us.”

Source: UCAN Report by Saji Thomas

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