The Sisters of St. Anne, Chennai, serving in India's capital of New Delhi, celebrated the feast of their patroness, St. Anne, by welcoming 15 people released on bail from Tihar Jail, one of South Asia's largest prison complexes, for prayer, fellowship, and a shared meal.
Held at the Prison Ministry India (PMI) office on the eve of the feast, the gathering reflected Pope Leo XIV's call in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, to uphold the inherent dignity of every human person. The Pope urges the faithful to safeguard human dignity and promote the common good, reminding them that even those who have experienced incarceration deserve compassion, fairness, and respect as legal proceedings continue.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Vincent D'Souza, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Delhi, and concelebrated by Fr. Sebastian Thekkenath, North India coordinator of Prison Ministry India; Fr. John Monteiro, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church; and Fr. Joe Prabu, executive director of the Don Bosco National Forum for Young at Risk.
The program was organized under the leadership of Sr. Inigo Joachim, former superior general of the Sisters of St. Anne, who has dedicated decades to prison ministry and the rehabilitation of incarcerated persons.
In his homily, Fr. D'Souza reflected on the meaning of the name "Anne," saying it signifies mercy and grace. He prayed that the guests, many of whom are living away from their families and, in some cases, their countries of origin while awaiting the completion of legal proceedings, would find strength and hope and eventually be reunited with their loved ones.
He also reminded those gathered that God's mercy reaches every person and that no one should lose hope, regardless of life's circumstances.
As a gesture of solidarity and care, each guest received a cash gift and a kit containing essential daily-use items.
The celebration concluded with a community meal, offering the guests an opportunity for fellowship with the sisters, priests, and volunteers.
For the Sisters of St. Anne, the gathering was a tangible expression of their long-standing commitment to prison ministry, rehabilitation, and accompaniment of those living on the margins of society.
The celebration reaffirmed the Gospel's call to mercy and inclusion while echoing Pope Leo XIV's appeal in Magnifica Humanitas to recognize and protect the dignity of every human person, especially those facing hardship, exclusion, or the challenges of rebuilding their lives.
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