This Week's Wisdom from the Cells
Each week, JRJI shares spiritual reflections and wisdom inspired by voices from inside.
Stay tuned for our newest feature.
Mission Statement
The Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI) is a pastoral ministry dedicated to restorative justice. We seek to heal the wounds of incarceration—bringing spiritual support, healing, and hope to those in prison, their families, and the victims of crime.
Rooted in the Gospel and Ignatian spirituality, we accompany individuals on their journey toward restoration through prayer, education, and advocacy. We work to transform the criminal justice system to become more restorative than punitive by mobilizing faith communities and public constituencies alike.
Featured Publication: Hearts of Stone to Hearts of Flesh
Compiled by Ismael Mejia
“No one is beyond God’s reach. No heart is too hardened for His love.”
This powerful book shares 13 first-person testimonies of men transformed while incarcerated. Once defined by violence, trauma, and survival, these men encountered God’s mercy behind prison walls—experiencing profound healing and spiritual renewal.
This book is more than a collection of stories. It is a living witness to redemption, grace, and the truth that God makes all things new.
Available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats
Print length: 60 pages
Poetry Spotlight
"Freedom"
We share the poem “Freedom” by Collin Price, SJ—
a reflection on inner liberation and God’s grace in confinement.
Retreats: Ministry Behind the Walls
JRJI leads healing retreats and liturgies in prisons across California. We accompany our incarcerated brothers and sisters as they seek renewal, hope, and faith in Christ.
Recent Retreats
- Feb 2–3 – California State Prison (LAC), Lancaster, CA
- Feb 10–11 – California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi, CA
- Feb 24 – California State Prison (LAC), Lancaster, CA
- Mar 5 – Ash Wednesday Service, California State Prison (LAC), Lancaster, CA
- Mar 10–11 – California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi, CA
- Apr 6–7 – California State Prison (LAC), Lancaster, CA
Upcoming Retreats
- Apr 14–15 – California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi, CA
- Apr 17 (Holy Thursday) – California State Prison (LAC), Lancaster, CA
- Apr 28–29 – Calipatria State Prison, Calipatria, CA
- May 4–5 – California State Prison (LAC), Lancaster, CA
- May 12–13 – California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi, CA
- May 19–21 – California State Prison (LAC), Lancaster, CA