About Us
So often our society wants simply to punish the perpetrator of a crime in the pursuit of vengeance and retribution. However, punishment on its own fails to address the need for healing, which benefits not only those involved in a crime, but the whole community that is also hurting. Furthermore, punishment on its own fails to recognize that the offender is also a victim and that we are all part of the solution. As a Jesuit psychologist in Germany recently reminded me: “the healing process is not easy; it’s easier to hold on to hate, to live with hate, and to be fueled by hate, but in reality...the only way to survive is to forgive.”
JRJI was established in 2009 to provide some balance to this punitive and legalistic approach and offer healing and hope of forgiveness to those who are affected by violence and crime in our society. Through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola we provide a tool where people can start to find healing and forgiveness, and recognize that life has meaning and hope beyond the pain.
Your support in this Initiative, either through prayer or a financial contribution, will enable us to continue this Jesuit work and help restore hope to those who are searching for direction. This work depends on the generosity and prayers of friends, who share this common goal. If you wish to volunteer or give a donation, I invite you to share in the mission of healing and forgiveness for those who are incarcerated, their families, and the victims of crime.
In Jesus the Risen Prisoner,
Rev. Michael E. Kennedy, S.J.
Executive Director
We are grateful for your prayers and support. Please pray for the work of Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative as we walk with and bring healing to those who are incarcerated, their families, and their communities. Your financial support is also greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, click here.
So often our society wants simply to punish the perpetrator of a crime in the pursuit of vengeance and retribution. However, punishment on its own fails to address the need for healing, which benefits not only those involved in a crime, but the whole community that is also hurting. Furthermore, punishment on its own fails to recognize that the offender is also a victim and that we are all part of the solution. As a Jesuit psychologist in Germany recently reminded me: “the healing process is not easy; it’s easier to hold on to hate, to live with hate, and to be fueled by hate, but in reality...the only way to survive is to forgive.”
JRJI was established in 2009 to provide some balance to this punitive and legalistic approach and offer healing and hope of forgiveness to those who are affected by violence and crime in our society. Through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola we provide a tool where people can start to find healing and forgiveness, and recognize that life has meaning and hope beyond the pain.
Your support in this Initiative, either through prayer or a financial contribution, will enable us to continue this Jesuit work and help restore hope to those who are searching for direction. This work depends on the generosity and prayers of friends, who share this common goal. If you wish to volunteer or give a donation, I invite you to share in the mission of healing and forgiveness for those who are incarcerated, their families, and the victims of crime.
In Jesus the Risen Prisoner,
Rev. Michael E. Kennedy, S.J.
Executive Director
We are grateful for your prayers and support. Please pray for the work of Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative as we walk with and bring healing to those who are incarcerated, their families, and their communities. Your financial support is also greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, click here.
The JRJI Team
Michael Kennedy, SJ
From 1994 to 2007, Fr. Mike was pastor at Dolores Mission in Los Angeles, where he developed a passion for working with the poor and marginalized and met countless families whose lives were being torn apart by gang violence and crime. Returning from the General Congregation of the Society of Jesus in 2007, Fr. Mike decided to found Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative and work with people whose lives have been effected by violence and crime.
As the Executive Director of this Jesuit Initiative, Fr. Mike gives talks throughout California and the United States on his method of Ignatian meditation. He has been recognized recently for his work by the California Chief of Probation Officers and the City of Los Angeles for the work he is doing to transform the lives of incarcerated youth, their families, and communities.
As the Executive Director of this Jesuit Initiative, Fr. Mike gives talks throughout California and the United States on his method of Ignatian meditation. He has been recognized recently for his work by the California Chief of Probation Officers and the City of Los Angeles for the work he is doing to transform the lives of incarcerated youth, their families, and communities.
Paul McMahon
Coming from a Jesuit background in Australia, Paul McMahon arrived in the United States in 2000 to take up a position in religious publishing in New York, where he also started writing to prisoners around the country. His growing interest in prison ministry resulted in him moving to California and working with Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI), where he now gives Ignatian meditation retreats to prisoners throughout the State. Paul also volunteers his time at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar and works with over a hundered prisoners around the country. In addition to the expansion of prison retreats and ministry, Paul is responsible for financial management, fund development, and office oversight.
Arturo Lopez
Arturo Lopez was born in El Salvador and has worked with youth both in El Salvador and the United States. After arriving here in 1983, Arturo also worked with the immigrant and refugee communities from Central America and Mexico at Our Lady Queen of Angels in La Placita, Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, and Dolores Mission in East Los Angeles. He has facilitated Christian Base Communities using the meditation method of St. Ignatius and organized the community in addressing social challenges. Arturo Lopez currently serves as co-chaplain at juvenile hall in Sylmar and as a member of the team of Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI) provides Ignatian retreats to prisoners throughout California.
Ambar Lopez
Ambar Lopez was born and raised in Los Angeles. While she was a member of the Dolores Mission Church in East Los Angeles, she worked at the after-school program and gained experience mentoring and working with at-risk youth. Ambar is currently an undergraduate Psychology student at California State University, Northridge and works part-time with Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative.
Jonni Alcantara
Jonni Alcantara was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has lived in Koreatown, South Central, Watts, East Los Angeles, and most recently in Lincoln Heights. After spending 19 months in the high risk offenders' compound of Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar facing LWOP, he was released and developed a passion and interest in juvenile justice. He brings this passion to Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative where he assists Fr. Michael Kennedy and the team in outreach to juveniles and prisoners throughout California.