By Juliana Uzoka

Inmates of the Jos Correctional Centre were encouraged to embrace forgiveness, acknowledge their faults, and seek personal transformation during the annual Boxing Day Mass celebrated by the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya Audu, on 26 December.

Addressing the inmates as “brothers and sisters,” Archbishop Audu conveyed Jesus Christ’s love for them and emphasized that imprisonment offers an opportunity for self-reflection and reformation. He urged the inmates to “accept their mistakes and ask God for forgiveness,” assuring them of God’s mercy for all who turn to Him.

The Archbishop, whose visit was his first to the facility since his appointment in 2019, appealed to custodial officers to treat the inmates humanely. Accompanied by the Prison Chaplain, priests, and other officials, he presented gifts including food packs, drinks, essential medicines and blankets to address the harsh harmattan weather. In a symbolic gesture of unity, he dined with the inmates, sharing the same food packs distributed to them.

The event, organized by the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese, is an annual tradition aimed at boosting the morale of the inmates, offering encouragement, and listening to their challenges.

During his address, Archbishop Audu expressed hope that he would not see most of the inmates next year. He promised to advocate for clemency to the Plateau State Government, stating, “A list will be given to the State Governor for consideration of those to be pardoned.”

Earlier, during the homily, Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, former Chaplain of the Correctional Centre Apostolate, reflected on the significance of the Christmas season. He reminded the inmates of biblical prophecies about Christ’s birth and reassured them of God’s presence, even in their current circumstances.

“Christ will meet you where you are,” he said, urging them to find joy despite their environment. Reflecting on the Feast of Saint Stephen, which coincided with Boxing Day, the Church’s first martyr, Fr. Akpe highlighted the power of forgiveness, recalling how St. Stephen prayed for his executioners, pleading “Father forgive them.”

He narrated a real-life story of a woman who forgave the murderers of her only child after they confessed their crime in prison. Using this example, he encouraged the inmates to take the first step toward reconciliation, saying, “Don’t wait; meet your offender.” He also emphasized the importance of sharing both physical and spiritual gifts, stating, “The gift of peace and forgiveness is the higher gift we can share.”

The Mass, held in an open space within the centre, witnessed a large turnout of inmates, both male and female, who actively participated in the celebration. Performances included drama, songs, and presentations by different groups, including the female inmates.

In his address, the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Ongaji Adams, expressed gratitude for the Archbishop’s visit and the Church’s continued support, including food, water supply, and payment of school fees for inmates. “Like Oliver Twist, we beg to request for more,” he said, highlighting the need for blankets to combat the cold weather.

Ejike Ugwu, President of Our Lady of Mother of Mercy, the Chapel within the Maximum Security Correctional Custodial Centre, thanked the Archbishop for his consistent care and generosity.

“Despite the rice some of our relations bring, we always look forward to the rice from the Archbishop’s house because some inmates here have no family visitors,” he remarked, referencing Matthew 25:35-46 to highlight the Archbishop’s fulfillment of Christ’s command to care for those in need.

Ugwu also appealed to the Archbishop to advocate for clemency from the governors of Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kogi States. “Please solicit on our behalf. We are sorry and regret our mistakes,” he pleaded.

The JDPC Coordinator, Benedicta Daboer, in her goodwill message, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop and facility officials for enabling the charity work. She emphasized the Church’s commitment to supporting the inmates, describing the outreach as “dear to the heart of the Catholic Church.”