Christmas Celebrations at L.A. County Jail
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Men’s Central Jail at the Los Angeles County Jail complex came alive with the spirit of Christmas this year. Archbishop José Gomez of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles led the annual Christmas Mass, a tradition dating back to the early 1970s. Despite the challenging circumstances, the inmates gathered in the chapel to find solace and joy in the holiday season.
Emotional Moments Behind Bars
Among the 200 men who attended the Christmas Mass, emotions ran high as they reflected on their time spent in jail during the festive season. Jeff Nestler, a 68-year-old inmate, shared his poignant experience of spending his second Christmas behind bars while awaiting trial for a murder charge. Despite the hardships he faced, Nestler found solace in the small moments of joy, like attending Mass and connecting with his fellow inmates.
A Message of Hope
Sheriff Robert Luna, accompanied by his wife and top jail officials, emphasized the importance of spreading hope and positivity during the holiday season. The Christmas Mass served as a beacon of light for the inmates, reminding them that they are not forgotten and that they still matter. Luna’s heartfelt wish for the men in attendance was that they would not have to spend another Christmas behind bars, highlighting the significance of rehabilitation and second chances.
A Unique Christmas Feast
While the traditional Christmas feast at the jail may not have been as lavish as in the past, the inmates still found ways to make the most of the occasion. Nestler and his fellow inmates planned their own jailhouse feast, complete with creative ramen noodle recipes, jailhouse burritos, and a makeshift version of kimchi using pickles from the commissary. The inmates also received care packages filled with essentials like ramen, cookies, and instant coffee, adding a touch of comfort to their holiday celebrations.
As the Christmas Mass came to an end, the sounds of “Feliz Navidad” filled the chapel, bringing a sense of camaraderie and joy to the men gathered there. Despite their circumstances, the inmates found moments of connection and solidarity, reminding us all of the power of community and resilience, even in the most challenging of times.
