Prison inmates at the Bomana correctional facility, outside Port Moresby, spent a day in prayer and entertainment, celebrating an early Christmas over the weekend.
Over 700 inmates of the maximum security were joined by the female, juvenile and minimum security prisoners.
Amongst the inmates were two refugees.
Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and representative of Pope Francis, was welcomed by Chief Superintendent Commanding Officer Supt. Haraha Keko DCS of the Correctional Centre.
He expressed his gratitude for the spiritual benefit received by the inmates through the involvement of Catholic Church.
He also highlighted the need to offer innovative programs that will help the inmates make the necessary adjustments for their return to society.
A Eucharistic celebration was followed by songs, dances and a nativity play by the Juvenile and the female unit.
The Nuncio thanked and wished each inmate and personally gave them a Christmas gift packet.
The program was organised by the Missionaries of Charity sisters and coordinated by Sr. Anto Terese mc, the community of Tokarara and Hanuabada, prison officers and different groups at the prison.