Convention Eight

​Empower the brethren in Prison for the Society and prepare the Society for them” was the theme of 8th National convention held in Pastoral centre, Arera Colony, Bhopal, Madhyapradesh from 12th to 15th of November, 2004. Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan the national coordinator of prison ministry India welcomed the participants for the gathering. Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Paschal Topno, Archbishop of Bhopal presided over the inaugural session and Shri. Achay Kumar Addl. District Judge was the chief guest stressed the need of the ministry in present situation. Rev. Dr. Gerald Almedia, the bishop of Jabalpur was also motivating the participants for the ministry. Rt. Rev. Bishop Peter Remigius, the patron of prison Ministry India gave the patron’s voice out of his experience in collaborating with prison ministry during the last years. Shri. Purushothaman, the superintendent of Central prison, Mrs. Ruchi Gosh speaker for street children, Mrs. Archana Sahay, director of childline,Shri. K. D. Shukla, former chairman of Human Rights Commission, Sr. S.C. Agarwal IPS. Retd DIG of Police, were the speakers of the convention. There was also visit of ISI certified prison of Central Prison of Bhopal and it was really a wonderful experience. Various cultural programmmes from the neighboring communities, group sharing and discussions, personal sharing of Sr. Carmalitta and Fr. Joy Cheradiyil were the enriching experiences for the participants. There were about 230 participants for the gathering.