In a goodwill gesture, the Punjab Government has decided to depute priests in the State jails to facilitate Christian prisoners to observe the holy days of lent. The decision came after the high-level delegation of the Christian community called on the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday. Sukhbir, during the meeting, agreed to the Christian community’s demand to allow priests to visit jails where fellow Christian believers need their assistance to pay their obeisance by observing lent prayers and fast rituals for 40 days.
“Necessary directions to the jail authorities have been given to facilitate Christian inmates for holy prayer and fast according during the requested time,” said Sukhbir. He said that this pious ritual would also help the inmates to come out of impression of social menaces by indulging them in prayers and fasts.
Punjab State Minority Commission member Albert Dua said that the Christian fraternity felt honoured with sanctioning of permission to observe holy lent season to Christian prisoners. “It would also extend a chance to prisoners to be a part of this life changing movement…The sole motive of Jesus Christ to observe 40 days fast is to show mercy and give the message of global brotherhood,” he said.
Sukhbir also urged the Christian community to use lent prayer and fasting days for the sake of brotherhood, social unity by eliminating the menace of indifference. “The pious lent prayer and fasting for 40 days is observed by revered Jesus Christ for the welfare of humanity and free them from burdens of sins…We should follow the teachings of Jesus Christ to build a healthy and strong society,” he added.