- 30 October, 2026
VARANASI, October 30, 2026: A Catholic prison ministry initiative in Odisha has received national recognition for its work in four correctional institutions, combining education, vocational training, legal assistance and pastoral care to support the rehabilitation of inmates.
The Odisha team of Prison Ministry India (PMI) received a Certificate of Appreciation at the organisation's 14th National Convention, held in Varanasi from October 17 to 20. Its presentation on prison outreach was also recognised, while a video documenting its activities won the Certificate of Appreciation for Best Activity Video from Odisha.
Adding to the recognition, Sr Mercyan SU, who has been closely associated with the initiative, secured third prize in the national PMI poetry competition, which attracted 435 participants.
The convention brought together around 350 participants from 23 states to share experiences and discuss approaches to prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Jharsuguda unit of PMI began its work in 2017 at Jharsuguda Sub-Jail. What started with spoken English classes, motivational sessions, art therapy and computer training has expanded to four institutions: Jharsuguda District Jail, Sundargarh District Jail, Sambalpur Nari Bandi Niketan and Sambalpur Circle Jail.
Priests, religious sisters and lay volunteers work with prison authorities to provide inmates with opportunities for learning, personal development and preparation for life after release.
Skills and support for inmates
Vocational training forms a major part of the programme. Inmates are taught to assemble LED bulbs, make mops, prepare detergents and produce mango jam, with the aim of equipping them with skills that could help them earn a livelihood after leaving prison.
The ministry also facilitates legal assistance and awareness programmes to help inmates understand their rights and legal procedures.
Its material support to the prisons includes library cupboards containing around 200 books, computers, carrom boards and sewing machines supplied to the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh district jails.
The initiative also organises programmes marking Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and International Women's Day. The washing of feet on Maundy Thursday is an expression of solidarity and service, while programmes for women prisoners focus on dignity, awareness of rights and personal encouragement.
The team also extends attention to children living in prison with their mothers.
Focus on life after release
Supporting inmates after their release remains a key concern of the ministry. Former prisoners often face social stigma, unemployment, family rejection and difficulties in rebuilding their lives.
The Odisha team hopes to strengthen post-release assistance through family reconciliation, employment opportunities, legal guidance and community acceptance.
It also plans to extend its activities to other prisons in the state, including Bolangir, Kuchinda, Sonepur and Angul, subject to available resources and cooperation.
Reflecting on the eight-year journey, Sr Mercyan thanked the priests, religious congregations, lay volunteers and prison officials who have supported the initiative.
She said participants at the national convention were impressed by the range of activities undertaken by the Odisha team and asked how it had managed to sustain such extensive work. She attributed the achievement to God's grace, teamwork and a shared commitment to service.
The ministry's approach is based on the belief that prisoners should not be defined solely by their offences or past mistakes but recognised as individuals capable of change and a fresh start.
Its message at the national convention was: "Hear the Cry, Heal the Wounds, Renew the Hope."
For the Odisha team, the work extends beyond prison visits and religious observances to creating opportunities for inmates to regain confidence, rebuild relationships and prepare for a dignified life after incarceration.
By Nirmala Carvalho
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