The Conference on Prison Ministry in Thailand recently brought together representatives from various dioceses across the country, united by a shared mission of extending compassion, hope, and spiritual support to those behind bars.
This significant gathering highlighted the collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication of the Catholic Church in Thailand to serve one of society’s most marginalized communities—prisoners.
Among the participants were staff members from the St. Martin Foundation’s Evangelization and Community Development program, who attended alongside Fr. Joseph Briones, director of the Foundation.
Their presence underscored the Foundation’s deep commitment to the prison ministry and its mission to bring light and dignity to the incarcerated.
In his opening remarks, Joseph Vuthilert Haelom, Bishop of Chiang Rai and a passionate advocate for prison ministry, emphasized the profound Christian calling to care for those often forgotten by society.
“Prison Ministry is not just a social service—it is a living expression of God’s mercy,” he said. “When we visit those in prison, we meet Christ in His most wounded and abandoned form. The Church must be present where pain and isolation exist, reminding everyone of their dignity as children of God.”
His heartfelt message set the spiritual tone for the entire conference, anchoring the participants in the Gospel message, particularly Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison, and you visited me.”
Organized by the Prison Ministry, the event was held in partnership with the National Catholic Commission on Migration (NCCM), Aid to the Church in Need, and Missio. It served as a dynamic platform for diocesan prison ministry teams to exchange experiences, share strategies, and address challenges, all while deepening collaboration and spiritual encouragement.
Participants—comprising priests, religious, and lay volunteers actively involved in prison outreach—took part in workshops, testimonies, and liturgical celebrations.
These activities reinforced the Church's commitment to integral human development, restorative justice, and the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of circumstance.
The conference also emphasized the Church’s role in advocating for improved prison conditions, offering pastoral care, supporting reintegration efforts, and extending compassion to the families of inmates. Stories of transformation and redemption shared during the event highlighted the powerful impact of consistent spiritual accompaniment and human solidarity.
As of January 1, 2025, Thailand had 280,790 prisoners. This includes 246,173 men and 34,617 women. This number represents 12% of the total prison population being female, according to the Thai Ministry of Justice's Department of Corrections. -with input from PIME Thai Missionaries
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