Bhopal Archdiocese to extend moral, social support to

With an aim to help prisoners in leading normal life, Bhopal Archdiocese has designated two priests to extend moral assistance and offer help in the mainstreaming of inmates of Central Jail here.
"The Archdiocese has taken necessary permission from the prison authorities and designated two priests for the purpose," Archbishop of Bhopal, Dr Leo Cornelio said today.
"Our primary goal is to bring about reconciliation and restoration, rather than incrimination and retribution, the Archbishop said.
"According to me, to promote a restorative justice system, prison must be the last resort, used only when a person poses a threat to the safety and peace of the community," he said.

The main objectives includes boosting of moral, spiritual and material support for the prisoners, rehabilitating them, their families and victims of crime, by fostering healing relationships and creating welcoming communities for their reintegration, the Archbishop said.
He said Bhopal Archdiocese also arranges regular seminars, literacy classes, workshops, medical camps, etc in different jails.
Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Rakshabandhan, Christmas, Women's Day among others are celebrated with them by arranging competitions like mehendi, rangoli, solo song, reading and writing, etc to engage their feelings and inspire them, the Archbishop said.
Jail authority also has a major contribution by allowing social workers to mingle with the prisoners, he added.