“I have gotten close to God in every way.”
A retreatant, writing from a California state prison
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative
Healing. Advocacy. Education.
Inside
Wisdom from the Cells
Each week, JRJI shares spiritual reflections and wisdom inspired by voices from inside.
English
“I’ve been incarcerated for 18 years of my life. I can tell you from experience that the relationships that picked me back up in life when I fell the hardest were not my homeboys or homegirls. No, it is my family. It is my family who never gave up on me to let my past go and educate myself on what life is all about.”
· Ernesto, Wisdom from the Cells
Español
“Les puedo decir por experiencia que las relaciones que me ayudaron a levantarme cuando me caí no fueron las que tenía con mis compañeros de pandilla. No, fue mi familia. Es mi familia la que nunca se dio por vencida conmigo, los que olvidaron mi pasado, y los que me educaron y ayudaron a entender el significado de la vida.”
· Ernesto, Sabiduría desde las celdas
Outside
What the Wall Looks Like from Here
JRJI offers support groups rooted in restorative justice for families affected by incarceration or violence. Through guided meditation and shared storytelling, parents of incarcerated youth and victims of crime gather to process grief and find healing together.
Our Graduate Group welcomes those who were once incarcerated and participated in JRJI retreats. These support gatherings offer spiritual companionship, accountability, and resources as they transition back into the community.
Inside
Online Retreat
Meditations for a Troubled Time, six guided meditations from “The Jesus Meditations,” narrated by Martin Sheen. Introduction by Fr. Michael Kennedy, SJ.
Healed · Friends · Morning Prayer · Martha · See · Spirit
Outside
Legislation We’ve Supported
Changing the system, not only the sentence.
SB 1391 & SB 1437
Repeals the ability to transfer 14- and 15-year-olds to adult court for certain offenses. Limits accomplice liability in felony murder cases to those who had direct involvement or intent.
SB 9
The Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, a California law that aims to increase housing supply across the state.
SB 260 / SB 261
Youth Offender Parole. Ensures youth serving life sentences are eligible for parole consideration.
Bring JRJI to your community
Interested in bringing JRJI’s retreat, advocacy, or Wisdom from the Cells program to your parish, school, or community group? We would be glad to talk.
The Crossing
Liturgy Guides & Donate
A liturgy guide is the one document read on both sides of the wall: readings, a Wisdom from the Cells reflection, and a meditation, sent every Monday in English and Español.
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
“No one is beyond God’s reach. No heart is too hardened for His love.”
· Ismael Mejia, Hearts of Stone to Hearts of Flesh