The heavy iron gates of a central prison in Bengaluru opened recently for an 85-year-old Catholic nun, Sister Adele Korah. A guard saluted her and said, “Your people have been waiting for you.” Smiling, she replied that she too was eager to see them. For more than 20 years, Sister Korah has been visiting prisons as a volunteer, bringing hope, comfort, and faith to inmates.
In October 2025, Sister Korah and several other nuns published books sharing their experiences with prisoners across India. Her book, My Journey With Brethren Behind Bars, tells stories of 27 prisoners whose lives were renewed through encouragement and inner change. Other nuns wrote similar books, sharing stories of repentance, healing, and second chances from prisons in Bhopal, Pune, and Bengaluru.
The books were released during a national prison ministry convention in Kerala, where the ministry began over four decades ago. Today, the prison ministry has about 8,000 volunteers, nearly half of them Catholic religious, mostly nuns. They offer spiritual guidance, counseling, legal help, education, and skill training to prisoners.
Many nuns described prison ministry as the deepest expression of their vocation. Some help prisoners get bail or learn new skills, while others use music, prayer, and simple presence to heal wounded hearts. Several also continue supporting former prisoners after their release.
Church leaders say the dedication of these women has transformed prisons into places of renewal and hope. Through quiet service, prayer, and sacrifice, the nuns help prisoners rediscover dignity, faith, and the courage to begin again—even behind locked gates.
