On 14 December 2025, His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang celebrated Gaudete Sunday of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 for Prisoners and all those who work in prisons, with a Christmas gathering at the Sg. Petani Correctional Institution, Kedah. The event, ‘Program Sambutan Perayaan Krismas Prospek Institusi Penjara Sungai Petani Tahun 2025’ organized by the faith sharers of the Penang Diocesan Prison Ministry (PDPM), brought together around 45 young and mature prospects, and dedicated correctional officers, in a spirit of joy and renewal.
On 13 October 2025, in a move to promote second chances behind bars, the Prisons Department Commissioner-General, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak announced the shift in terminology from “prisoner to “prospect”. This change marks a major transformation in the country’s prison philosophy – from a system focused on punishment to one centered on education and rehabilitation. “We no longer want them to be seen as offenders, but as prospects – individuals with the potential to change, improve themselves and contribute to society,” he affirmed.
The Deputy Director of Sg. Petani Prison, PP Zaini Bin Ahmad, in his welcome address, reminded all present that detention is not meant as punishment, but as a time for correction and rehabilitation. The prison’s rehabilitation system is guided by the Prison’s Human Development Program which emphasizes the 5 Rs: Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Responsibility, Repair, and Relationship.
Cardinal Sebastian thanked the Department of Prisons for facilitating the PDPM’s work in the prison system and in supporting this celebration. For the past 11 years the Prisons Department has assisted in coordinating the PDPN sessions for the Christian prospects. Cardinal thanked the PDPN faith sharers for their works of mercy as they “turun padang” (go to the ground) to reach out to the prospects. Cardinal addressed the prospects with words of guidance and renewal. In the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, the message of Hope, Peace and Love is for all without exception and reminded them that “Hope Does Not Disappoint”.
The PDPM Faith sharers including Anthony Andrews (PDPM Head), Steeven Phillips (PDPM Chairman), Peter Teh Choo Wee (Dep. Chairman), Chan Lilian (PDPM Secretary), Joseph Lim Chee Cheong, Betty Khor Mooi Kiah, Angelina Das, Shirley Hew Sye Li, Maryann Roberts, and Christopher Kushi then proceeded to share Christmas carols in both English and Bahasa Malaysia. The prospects joined in, filling the hall with joyful singing and enthusiastic clapping, further enhancing the festive spirit of Christmas. Handmade herbal soaps and reading glasses were also presented for use by the prospects and the celebration ended with a fellowship lunch.
Cardinal Francis personally met each prospect, offering his blessings, words of encouragement to both the young and mature prospects. On a personal level Cardinal Sebastian shared that this pilgrimage will be his final one, as the Jubilee of Hope 2025 draws to a close. Being Pilgrims of Hope we are called to bring joy and hope to the prospects and to remind them that they are not alone on their journey of life.
At St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Jubilee of Prisoners Holy Mass. In the Pontiff’s homily, he reflected that despite difficult places like prisons, when people focus on caring for one another, respecting each other and offering forgiveness, beautiful flowers blossom from the hard ground of sin and suffering. Our Holy Father stressed that “No human being is defined by what they have done, and justice is always a process of repair and reconciliation. Pope Leo proclaimed, “Let no one be lost! Let all be saved! This is what our God wants”.
By Christopher Kushi
