The word of God echoed behind the bars… Fetters of evil bandages were broken... Tears of repentance and transformation rolled down…the brethren behind the bars noticed far away... The star of hope and new life... Risen for them on the mountaintop! “Snehashramam” is a response to their cries “…we want to live as normal human beings, won’t you give us a chance”?”

“Snehashramam”, the first renewal centre, was born on 1st October 1991 as a result of the prayers and sacrifices of hundreds of priests, nuns and well-wishers. The cries that echoed within the prison walls did not allow Jesus Fraternity to remain silent. This Ashramam is placed in a plot of 11 acres of land, which was acquired through the local contributions and donations. Moments of sharing love ... staff with inmates Snehasramam welcomes the released prisoners with their pains, agonies of life and the guilt feelings. It provides an environment conducive to these broken lives bringing them hope in their lives and facilitates the holistic development of an individual. Mutual relationship is built up in complete inner freedom, love, trust, respect and acceptance.

When we look back into the past 10 years of Snehasramam ­ experience and training, we lack words to express and explain the marvelous providence of god that has been operative here in the center. Those rejected by the whole society and family have proved themselves good by the grace of God and succeeded in the re-integration process and lead a normal life. A deep faith experience is the motivating force that strengthens both trainees and trainers. Day-to-day expenses are met through local contribution and individual donations. To be exact 393 ex-prisoners, irrespective of their caste, creed and class have gone through the renewal period in the Ashram. Many of them have completed six months’ training. Around 100 men lead a good and successful life honouring their worth and labour dignity.

1. From the world of killing... to the world of Life. No living creature is killed in the Ashram.
2. From the world of pain ... to the world of happiness. Inspirations are given to develop positive and creative attitudes that will divert one’s pains into happiness.
3. From the world of lock ... to the world of no lock. There is no room for fear, but inner freedom and serenity.
4. From the world of walls to the world of no walls.’ There are no compound walls surrounding the Ashram. From the world of stealing ... to the world of sharing
6. From the world of despair ... to the world of hope
7. From the world of revenge ... to the world of forgiveness.
8. From the world of authority ... to the world of service.
9. From the world of hatred ... to the world of love.
10. From the world of anxiety ... to the world of providence.

A. “Paradise Experience” At the very initial stage of one’s life in the Ashram, one is helped to live in the present moment. The person is initiated be cast away the anxieties of tomorrow and the restlessness of yesterday. We are convinced that it’s only, when we begin to live in the present, that we come closer to the “Creator” or become aware of the “Paradise”. B. Nature Meditation This method of meditation is based on the objects from the beautiful creation of God. We place everything from the surroundings/ the nature as the object for our reflections and meditations, and become attentive to the creative and constructive messages and share our thoughts. This helps them who have been once under the bondage of drugs, alcoholism and other vices open themselves to a world of creative thinking and new perceptions about life.

C) The Holy Eucharist

The self-offering and sharing of our Lord Jesus Christ, makes one free from selfishness and hatred.

D) ‘Sath-Sangham’

Relaxation in a group is a part of our life pattern in the Ashram. We make it a point, sharing the good qualities of others. Such fellowship destroys the gang tendency to involve oneself in destructive activities collectively or individually.

E) Dining Together

The Ashram inmates and the animators gather around and share the meal in a family atmosphere. Through such a practice, the inmates regain and re-live the lost moments in their past, whereby they learn to share, co-operate and consider their fellow beings.

F) Manual Work

Everybody is encouraged and motivated to respect the dignity of labour, which in turn helps to become selfless and other-centred. It also helps to get rid of the false pride and laziness. One becomes energetic and humble in the service of others.

G) Organic Cultivation

Cultivation is strictly based on organic theory. Such an attitude helps the inmates to become more spontaneous and to free themselves from artificiality and hatred.

H) Group Games

To those who have been so used to gang conspiracy in life to destroy the other, encouragements in various games facilitates the process of inner healing. This also builds up the inter-personal relationships and mutual confidence.

I) Classes

Different topics are discussed at various levels and knowledge and information are imparted to promote one’s holistic development.

J) Entertainment Programmes

Apart from certain memorable occasions, everyday after supper, we gather together to spend sometime in chitchat and relaxations. Everybody is encouraged to express themselves. This helps one to do well and give joy to the community as a whole.

Ashadeepam stands for spreading Jesus Christ’s message of love that beckoned the Samaritan woman and the woman caught in adultery to a life of hope and salvation. This functions hand in hand with Jesus Fraternity, which works for the reformation, reintegration and rehabilitation of prisoners under KCBC. History Ashadeepam which was founded on 16th Feb. 1994 is a Home for the renewal and rehabilitation of released women prisoners, sex workers and women forced to walk away from their homes, irrespective of their caste, class and creed. This centre situates around 13 Kms from Trichur town in Kerala, and around 8 kms away from NH 47, in a tiny but geographically beautiful village called Vettukkad

Sr. Latika Pazhukara was the first directress of Ashadeepam from 1994 Feb. to Jan. 2003. She has been succeeded by Sr. Laitha Puthuppally from Jan. 2003. Since its foundation, to be exact, 286 women have gone through this centre. Most of them do live well today. There are seven girls at present. These women are normally kept in the centre from six months to one year. They will be sent, after this period, to either for some kind income fetching jobs or to other centres for continued rehabilitation program. These girls go through a series of training including manual labour, house maintenance, and informative classes and other recreational exercises that would help them to strengthen their mind and body and discipline.

Focus group of Ashadeepam is following:

• Women brutally molested in brothels and flesh trading centres.
• Women driven into a wretched world of crime by poverty and despair
• Women forced to sell their very womanhood for survival.
• Women despised and abandoned by society and by their own families.

Ashadeepam aims at the rehabilitation of the released women prisoners, and women in distress.

To help these under privileged and cast out girls to accept their life experienced and situation in order to reintegrate themselves into society.

To assist them to find a life of their own through marriage and family life. With these objectives we try to care for them with a stress on the following areas of their growth.

• Spiritual renewal
• Physical and Psychological treatment
• Reconciliation with God, Self, Family and Society.
• Vocational Training
• Rehabilitation.

Local contributions and friends of Snehadeepam meet the fianance for the day-to-day functioning of snehadeepam. The motive behind such step is based on the assumption, that the people of our land is mainly responsible for the victimization of these children and therefore our people should feel the responsibility to renew their lives through their generosity, sacrifices and prayers.

Snehadeepam has, given birth so far to 150 children. Among them many have been renewed and rehabilitation and the rest are undergoing their formation at the centre.

The Pioneers members of Snehadeepam were Srs. Grace Mary, Lucy and Mary. Srs. Lissy, Sajeeva, Divya, Daya, Sunitha, Smitha Janet, Vinaqya, Beena , Mini, Sneha, Rosmy, Delphy, Jancy are the sisters who have committed themselves to serve Snehadeepam during the last 10 years. Snehadeepam is steadily flourishing under the special providence of God, through human hands. Prayers, Support and encouragement of many are earnestly solicited for its well functioning and development.

Nirmal Bhavan is a rehabilitation center, under Jesus Fraternity. It stands for the rehabilitation of boys, who are addicted to drugs, stealing, and robbing and criminal activities. History Nirmal Bhavan is situated in Mariapuram, which is away by four Kilo Meters from Thrissur town. It was started on 20th Dec. 1998, by the special interest and initiative of Malabar Missionary Brothers. Br. Thelophine Thalian MMB was the first Director. Br. Zacharias Valliyara MMB serves as the Director of this Institution at present. It stands for the rehabilitation of those who are addicted to drugs, stealing, robbing and criminal activities. Majority of the people here are either having a past history of such acts, arrested or put into prison. Nirmal Bhavan offers them a haven once they come out of prison cells after completing their punishments. They may be attracted to their past life if they do not find anything to support their life and others needs.

The goal of Nirmal Bhavan is to help the youngsters to get over their inappropriate and unbecoming behaviour, and give them hope in their lives through continuous training. The centre admits boys between 14 – 22 and concentrates on their various skills and formation of their personality and behaviour. These boys primarily are the released ones from remand homes, juvenile homes and from prisons. Boys from others sectors such as the children of prisoners from economically backward families, broken families and gangs. Now there are nine persons in Nirmal Bhavan and all of them are in between 14 to 22. As we know Retreats and Renewal centres are increasing day by day, the growth of criminal tendencies and equivalent activities are also not less. In this situation Nirmal Bhavan is always ready to receive the youngsters who are wandering in and through the streets.

The centre offers them various programs and attempts to train them to live well in the society finding their own means of livelihood. They are provided classes to learn values of hard work, interpersonal relationship, life in the society and family, importance of faith, religion and religious practices etc.

Apart from this the centre offers them vocational skill and jobs oriented training such as carpentry, welding, painting art, crafts etc. To deepen the experience of God and faith, they are to follow a schedule of spiritual practices of prayer in the morning and evening, meditations and adoration: as part of their daily activities

It was a long awaited vision of Jesus Fraternity, Prison Ministry India, an undertaking of KCBC, to have home for the girls whose parents are either convicted imprisoned or become preys to the criminal hands. Although they are the first priority we too give opportunities for children from the broken families or abandoned by their parents to promote mental, spiritual and social well-being. With the guidance and leadership of Rev. Frs. Jacob Vattekattu, Varghese Karippari, Joy Tharakcal, Alexander Kurikkattil, Joseph Macholil sisters were given various opportunities like orientation and exposure programs, seminars etc. to imbibe the spirit of Prison ministry.

The new horizon of Jesus Fraternity Snehanivas opened with two children namely Dhanya and Sajimol. Later on many more joined. The total members of Snehanivas were eighteen and out of them seven have left us for their better future. Parents who are released from the prison were ready to take them home, and others were send to other Ashrams of Jesus Fraternity for further jobs. At present we have eleven children who are studying from 1st to 10th STD. Last year these were two girls who completed SSLC. One of them passed SSLC examination. She will be going for Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery course in Lissie Hospital Ernakuklam. The other girl went home since her parents insisted on taking her home.

During their stay here they are given enough chances to grow in prayer, God experiences, personality development value education social and cultural etiquette, personal and environment, hygiene, leadership and other extra curricular activities like arts and sports. We arrange competitions during Christmas and Onam holidays for them and encourage them by distributing Prizes for the winners. Our children had the privilege of participating in Bible Kalolsavm in Edappally Forena.

Last year they participated in sports like long jump, high jump short put race cultural programs like dance, mono act, fancy dress, solo, and group song. All of them won 1st and 2nd Prizes. One of them secured the overall championship and was awarded with Trophy. It was a great pleasure and hope for Snehanivas. We empower these girls who are very backward in studies by seeking their personal interest and sending them for a job oriented life. Thus last year we send one for Tailoring.

By providing these opportunities they are freed from the painful and bad experience of their childhood and gradually they become the owners of good personalities. During summer holiday’s retreats are arranged for their personal and spiritual growth. They are also given chances of pilgrimage, one-day outings camps and classes based on various topics. Fathers and Brothers who are directly involved in Jesus fraternity, make friendly visits occasionally and encourage them through their classes and activities. Apart form sisters on Sundays, brothers from CST study house come and give tuition to the high school children.

The first directress of Snehanivas, Sr. Shobha successfully completed her term and got transferred. Sr. Archana was appointed as the next directress. Since she is going for renewal course for one year Sr. Beatrice, the new directress, has taken charge of it. From the beginning till now Sr. Leema Rose directly involved as in charge of Snehanivas children. Since she is transferred this year, Sr. Smitha is appointed as in charge and Sr. Laiza as an assistant in charge. We assist these abandoned ones to become the better citizens of tomorrow, by many people of Goodwill like you.

Responding to the gospel verse “I was in the prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:36), Shanti Bhavan community seeks to become a home of peace:

“Unless souls are saved nothing is saved; there can be no world peace unless there is soul peace”. These are the opening words of Fulton J. Sheen, in his book ‘Peace of Soul’. We find many frustrated souls in jails in different parts of the world. These parched souls after their release succumb to humiliation, mistreatment and harassment. Such disheartened persons seek peace in life. The persons of Palai Joseph and Ernakulam Hari (Palai is a place in the district of Kottayam in Kerala, India and Ernakulam is one of the Districts of Kerala.) were broken once. The former was punished for life-imprisonment and the latter for theft. Both of them got a new life as they completed the second and final stage of renewal and rehabilitation at Shanti Bhavan center for the rehabilitation of the ex-offenders working under Jesus fraternity and run by Claretians.

Through the perseverance in prayer and committed efforts of the priests, nuns and volunteers within few years of its establishment, many persons could be helped to lead a peaceful life. By its unique method of rehabilitation this house stands at the top of the rehabilitation process. Many challenges are encountered during this noble mission. 42 settled families unanimously express their gratitude to all those who shouldered their burdens. God can work miracles and nothing is impossible for Him.

The claretian missionaries aim at seeking in all things the glory of God, the salvation of our members and the salvation of people throughout the world, in keeping with our missionary charism in the church. A serious study on the life realities in various parts of the world enabled us to think differently and to begin new ministries. Consequently, the congregation entered into the ministry to those in prisons.

Fr. Alexander Kureekattil, CMF was the first Claretian to begin this ministry. In the year 1992, the Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Conference (KCBC) invited him to join with the prison ministry under Justice, peace and development Commission. He began this new ministry as the assistant director and then he was the State director of Jesus fraternity under KCBC. Later Fr. Cyriac Kollamparambil, CMF joined him as the spiritual director of renewal centre (Vettukad Snehasram- 1st stage of Prisoner’s renewal programme). The executive meeting of Jesus fraternity invited the Claretians to take the 2nd stage of the prisoner’s renewal programme. And we began to welcome ex-prisoners who had undergone 6 months of training in the renewal centre.

The activities were started on 7th Sept. 1994 in a rented house on Mother Theresa road Anchumana at Edapally in Ernakulam. After a year of study and scrutiny 6 persons who completed their renewal programme at Shehasram Vettukad were admitted into the centre. The inauguration of the house was on August 16th 1995. The house was named as Shanti Bhavan, which meant Home of Peace. Under the efficient leadership of Fr. Alexander Kureekattil, the timely support and encouragement from other fathers and the assistance of brothers and volunteers served the purpose of accommodating 44 ex-offenders within its three years of establishment. In 1997, Fr. Joy Cheradiyil was appointed as the assistant director of the ministry. In 1998, a house was purchased and it was named Shanti Nivas, which was officially erected as a residence, and it became the place where fathers and regents lived as a community. It also served as the coordinating house for all the activities. Fr. Kureekattil served the centre until June during which he could establish the centre providing service to the neglected prisoners in our society. Following his transfer in June 2001, Fr. Noble Mannarth was appointed as the Director and Superior of the house. After 6 months of service he was transferred to Bangalore and Fr. Joy Cheradiyil was appointed the director of this ministry. Later Fr. Jose Ammaikunnel served the centre as Assistant Director. In March 2003 Fr. Biju Elamplasseril became the Assistant Director.

Shanti Bhavan seeks to become a centre of rehabilitation for ex-prisoners by providing them with spiritual empowerment, jobs for the livelihood, continued support and care, opportunities to improve family re-union and follow-up programmes. It gives special emphasis on transforming its inmates into responsible God’s children.

Responding to the gospel verse “I was in the prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:36), Shanti Bhavan community seeks to become a home of peace:

As a result of the growing consumeristic attitude, many families are on the verge of disintegration. This perilous situation steers number of girls neglected by their parents, beloved ones and neighbours, which drives them live on the street. These girls become victims to drugs; stealing and other socially unaccepted life styles. Karunyasramam focuses on these women who are helpless to realize the consequences of the above-mentioned activities. Hence the aim of Karunyasramam is to give a new life for these broken hearts, to the neglected one’s and make them mature personalities in the society.

Karunyasramam is situated at Thoppil, in the District of Ernakulam around 15 kms from the town. It was started on 8th Jan. 1999 for the rehabilitation of women. Before 1999 this was one of the houses of Adoration sisters. In 1999, it was converted into a rehabilitation center, affiliated to Jesus Fraternity. Now it operates as a love shore, which gives peace, happiness and graces to the broken hearts

Sr. Maxima SABS served as the first directress of Karunyashramam. Sr. Jasintha SABS has succeeded her as the directress of this center in 2004. She is assisted by other 3 Sisters in the day to day running of the center.

The wages they acquire through their jobs will be deposited in the bank in their own accounts and it would be utilized for their marriage. Within five years, five women have got married; it seems to be one of the good results of Karunyasramam. We invite you also to participate with us for the rehabilitation of women like the above-mentioned ones. By this let us try to build up our future generation, let us work together; with God our creator.

Snehasramam-Monvila is a rehabilitation centre for the released female prisoners and girls from the streets. This aims the reformation of women those who are released from prisons, who were under the shackles of red street, drugs and those were engaged in antisocial activities. The aim is to give them the knowledge of life society and social life

Snehasramam was inaugurated by Sri. B. Rajayya, the Former Governor of Kerala on 11th Dec.1992. Snehasramam is the result of hard work of. Fr. Joseph Maccoly, Fr. Alexander Kuriyekattil, Fr. Varghese Karippery, Fr. Kodiyan and Sisters, Brothers, and Laity.

Sr. Jenma, Sr. Margaret MSMI, Sr. Jaya FCC were the first directress the administration of the center and care of girls were handed over to the Sisters of Deena Sevana Sabha in 1995 but would remain directly under the supervision of Jesus Fraternity. Sr. Mariam was appointed as the first directress followed by Sr. Lilly. Once again Sr. Mariam succeeded as the directress. 3 other Sisters namely Sr. Rahael, Sr. Hermina and Sr. Emerenia are there for the services in Snehasramam.

According to the record 2772 young women have gone through the training in Snehasramam, but only 171 completed the training period. 136 of them found have different kinds of jobs, 16 have got married and some have returned to their home. The center offers these women different kinds of training like stitching, wearing, soap making, kitchen works etc. for the development of personality and skills. Besides we give them moral classes and counseling for mental growth

The aim of Snehasramam is to rehabilitate these women for the dawn of a bright future.

The women who come to this house engage themselves into various that would help their growth and condition their mind and body. They therefore undergo both spiritual as well as non-spiritual exercises.

Spiritual exercises: Prayer in the morning, at noon, after noon and in the evening. They have lessons of Yoga, Music, and other necessary areas provided.

Non-Spiritual activities would include a daily schedule of manual labor house cleaning, diary maintenance, gardening, assisting in the kitchen etc.
Recreational Program: they involve themselves learning and mutually teaching the art of dance, yoga and other games in the house.

Sisters at Snehasramam also render an outreach program, i.e. ministry of visit to the inmates Central Prison Poojapura and Women’s Jail. They offer the prisoners awareness classes and counseling, which bring in them the hope of life and a better tomorrow. The services rendered here often challenge the people to take the responsibility to work for the good of this kind of people

To cradle and nurture the little ones, who are highly vulnerable at the very onset of children, to strengthen the fallen children due to broken family relationships and negligence, wander on the dismal streets, and to extend a helping and healing hand to such helpless and abandoned children … “Snehadeepam” was established! .   History Snehadeepam, a home for children, came into existence in the divine plan of God, as a result of years of long and prayerful awaiting and painful search of many like-minded people and especially of Fr. Jose Pulickal. He and his aged parents (Mr. P. T. Antony and Mrs. Mariamma Antony) whole-heartedly donated their house and property to the congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, for the noble cause of formation and rehabilitation of children with behavioural problems and criminal tendencies

It stands as the realization of the vision of Fr. Jose Pulickal who has been one of the pioneers of Prison Ministry India. Fr. Varghese Kariperi, the co-founder of Prison Ministry India and Sr. Clementia, the provincial Superior of the congregation of the sisters of the Holy Spirit were especially instrumental to begin this noble endeavour.

The simple beginning of this great mission was on 3rd July 1994. This Ashram functions under the guidance of the sisters of the Holy Spirit in collaboration with Prison Ministry India, fully embracing its charism and spirituality.

Generally, children of the streets and broken families are being led astray and in the future these young ones will be engaged in destructive activities and anti social behaviors and later land up in remand Homes and Prisons. Therefore the focus group is children belonging to the age group of 1 –12.

Snehadeepam has undertaken a radical and challenging mission of saving and liberating the innocent lives from the fetters of sin and evil. Therefore this home aims at preventive steps towards saving the individuals and society at large from destruction and abandonment. The plan of the formation is worked out looking at this great target and it definitely includes a lot of struggle and perseverance.

	Prayer, Love, Concern, Family atmosphere, physiological and psychological treatments, educational facilities etc. are provided during the period of formation at Snehadeepam.
Snehadeepam is based mainly on five major ideas or experiences such as: Prayer House, Renewal Center, House for All, Bethlehem Experience and Nazareth Experience

Local contributions and friends of Snehadeepam meet the fianance for the day-to-day functioning of snehadeepam. The motive behind such step is based on the assumption, that the people of our land is mainly responsible for the victimization of these children and therefore our people should feel the responsibility to renew their lives through their generosity, sacrifices and prayers.

Snehadeepam has, given birth so far to 150 children. Among them many have been renewed and rehabilitation and the rest are undergoing their formation at the centre.

The Pioneers members of Snehadeepam were Srs. Grace Mary, Lucy and Mary. Srs. Lissy, Sajeeva, Divya, Daya, Sunitha, Smitha Janet, Vinaqya, Beena , Mini, Sneha, Rosmy, Delphy, Jancy are the sisters who have committed themselves to serve Snehadeepam during the last 10 years. Snehadeepam is steadily flourishing under the special providence of God, through human hands. Prayers, Support and encouragement of many are earnestly solicited for its well functioning and development.