By Br. Maria Nithin, OFM
Alongside Br. Kishore Joseph, I recently visited the Open-Air Prison in Devanahalli, Bengaluru—a quiet witness to the power of restorative justice and human dignity. Unlike traditional prisons with high walls and locked cells, this space breathes trust, responsibility, and the gentle hope of transformation. It is currently the only such prison in Karnataka, though similar centers are envisioned elsewhere in the state. Reserved for long-term convicts who have shown genuine change, this unique prison allows inmates to live and work in freedom within the compound. They are trained in agriculture, animal husbandry, electrical work, and other life-giving skills—simple, honest labors that echo the spirit of Francis, who found God in the work of his hands and the soil beneath his feet. Those who complete their sentences may even receive start-up support to begin anew. Our conversations with inmates were conducted with care and dignity—avoiding personal wounds yet sensing the deep undercurrent of hope and silent resilience. This visit was a call to remember that rehabilitation is not merely a policy—it is a Gospel path. As Franciscans, we believe that mercy transforms and that every person, no matter how broken, carries within a spark of goodness waiting to be rekindled. When correction is guided by compassion, prisons can become places of healing, reconciliation, and renewal. May such initiatives multiply, and may our hearts always remain open to be instruments of peace, healing, and brotherhood among all, especially the forgotten.

Date |
Name of the Friars |
Events |
Year |
02 |
St. Louis Friary – Palmaner Fidelis D’ Lima |
Foundation Ordination |
1949 1964 |
05 |
Abraham Vadana Shaji Nicholas Vadachery + Valentine Crasta |
Birth Birth Home |
1946 1969 2011 |
06 |
Baptist D’ Souza |
Birth |
1975 |
07 |
+ Anthony’s Church - Bannur |
Erection |
1999 |
09 |
Anil Kerketta |
Birth |
1980 |
11 |
Richard D’Silva + Agnel D’ Mello |
Ordination Home |
1960 2013 |
13 |
Vincent Soosai Varghese Sebastian Scaria Varanath Thomas M.M. Dayanand Anand Suresh Minj Nideesh M. John |
Birth Ordination Ordination Ordination Ordination Birth Birth |
1970 1975 1975 1975 1975 1987 1993 |
14 |
+ Titus Myppan |
Home |
2012 |
15 |
Gregory Fernandes |
Ordination |
1963 |
16 |
Paul K.L. Assisi Sadan - Nagpur |
Birth Foundation |
1952 1993 |
17 |
Sidney Mascarenhas Varghese Lakra |
Ordination Birth |
1967 1977 |
18 |
Ajit Kerketta |
Birth |
1976 |
19 |
James Kallarackan Friary Chapel – Palmaner |
Birth Blessing |
1942 1967 |
21 |
Parish Church - Palmaner |
Blessing |
1964 |
22 |
Francis Agnelo Rozario |
Birth |
1966 |
24 |
Emmanuel Christopher |
Birth |
1992 |
25 |
Mukti P. Ekka + Celestine Reardon + Ambrose Staskunas |
Birth Home Home |
1973 1976 1986 |
26 |
Tony D’ Souza + Paschal Fernando |
Birth Home |
1962 1994 |
27 |
Irudayaraj Fernando Sahaya Dhas J. |
Ordination Ordination |
2002 2013 |
28 |
Madhu Sudhan Reddy |
Ordination |
2015 |
29 |
Thumma Ranjith Kumar Reddy |
Ordination |
2015 |
30 |
+ Gratian McEvoy Wilson Paul Nattalil Stephen Lamin Gashnga + Kuriyan Joseph |
Home Ordination Ordination Home |
1992 2003 2012 2015 |
31 |
Sleeva Reddy |
Birth |
1968 |