By Anthony Shimray, on behalf of the prison inmates

                         (and see photos, below)

<sup>July 24 finally arrived which has been much awaited by all Christian inmates at Tihar Jail No: 4 – Delhi. Sr. Inigo wisely chose to celebrate the Feast of St. Anne with the neglected and unfortunate brothers in prison rather than celebrating gloriously outside.

In addition, the Charismatic presence of His Grace Most Rev. Anil Couto, Archbishop of Delhi accompanied by some 10 Priests, many sisters and other guests fulfilled the purpose of Christ, "The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy but I came to seek the lost and the last be found" (Jn: 10:10). Yes, finally they came to give the message of life and eternal salvation. They chose us, the prisoners and not the world. The coming of His Grace and the team was like bringing Light in our life of darkness. St. Anne’s feast day was celebrated with the Living Words of our Lord shared by His Grace followed a meaningful Mass.</sup>

Sr. Inigo welcomed the Archbishop of Delhi who was the main celebrant, Fr.John Puthuva, Prison Coordinator of Northern Region PMI and other priests and guests in her own style of fascination and love to join the celebration with the inmates as it has become their feast.

The choir by the Nigerians in English and by Indians in Hindi with all musical instruments was vibrant, full of life, short of dances.

'Despite the brokenness and mental pain and physical agony, "Trust in the Lord and go forward", called the Archbishop during the Mass.  In the homily, "Please remember what Archbishop Fulton Sheen once told the prisoners: "You are caught, I'm not' that is the difference between you and me" the Archbishop told the inmates of the prison. "So do not get depressed and become despondent. Jesus too was arrested and subjected to humiliation and suffering. His resurrection gives us hope and let that hope brighten up the flame of love in you all; Forgive all those who have caused you this humiliation"  Archbishop inspired them. We were happy to present to His grace a beautiful picture of Jesus, painted by the inmates of Tihar.

At this moment, I would like state the sentiments of Mr. Jitender Patel, Assistant Superintendent of Jail No: 4: "Dear Grace, to be candid enough, I have hardly seen the inmates in such an emotional trance. The inmates had turned highly sentimental and had requested as well beseeched the Jail administration to seek your august presence once more as they would like to open their hearts and reveal their sorrows, predicaments and moments of joy and seek your blessings. Further your speech and blessings have instilled the inmates with a sense of remorse for the misdeeds that they have committed. Once again I evince my heartiest thanks for showing your benign presence in this jail."

Many hungry souls were fed and their faith was strengthened. Above all, the love extended to us in the moment of our darkest hour brought healing, joy, peace, hope and the Will to go on. I envisioned their coming as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ clothed in white garments and righteousness with glory and victory. Not only spiritual needs but Prison Ministry under Sr. Inigo cares to offer us rich and healthy refreshment. It brought great joy to see the Christian inmates – Tihar Church members eating together as Early Christians did in Table Fellowship.

Congrats to Sr. Inigo and her community living at Dwarka- Delhi and the members of prison Ministry for organizing such an innovative initiative and for such a meaningful celebration of St. Anne’s Feast day which certainly brings a change in our monotonous and routine life.

I, on behalf of our Church in jail No: 4, would like to extend my deepest sentiments of appreciation and gratitude to Sr. Inigo for facilitating the visits of a large group of visitors. As they have blessed us richly, may they be mightily blessed and be always anointed by the Power of the Holy Spirit!

Not but not least, we are very grateful to the Prison authorities for their permission and co-operation willingly rendered to us. May God bless them too!

In His service,

Anthony Shimray,

On behalf of the Christian inmates at

Tihar Jail No: 4

New Delhi

01.08.2014

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