For the 42nd consecutive year, a Christmas Day Mass brought a message of hope and inclusion to inmates at Cook County Jail. Cardinal Blase Cupich, joined by members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, delivered a heartfelt service emphasizing that everyone, regardless of circumstance, is part of the human family. Addressing nearly 50 inmates gathered in Division 11, Cardinal Cupich stressed the importance of community and the shared experience of the holiday season. He reminded them that their humanity, even with its limitations and failures, is precisely what makes them worthy of God’s grace and salvation.
Mark McCombs, executive director of Kolbe House Jail Ministry, reflected on the enduring impact of the annual service. He noted the deeply felt emotion experienced not only by the inmates but also by the correctional staff, highlighting the transformative power of faith and the reminder of our shared humanity. McCombs also stressed the importance of remembering incarcerated individuals throughout the year, recognizing that the vast majority will eventually return to society and that supporting their reintegration benefits everyone.
Following Cardinal Cupich’s service, other prominent figures offered words of encouragement. Reverend Jesse Jackson, founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, along with Representative Danny Davis and Reverend Charlie Dates, delivered messages of hope and resilience. Reverend Dates specifically acknowledged the diverse circumstances that lead to incarceration, emphasizing that even mistakes can be redeemed through faith. A show of hands revealed the significant number of inmates facing upcoming court dates, prompting leaders to encourage hope and perseverance.
Reverend Jackson, despite the effects of Parkinson’s disease, reaffirmed his commitment to civil rights and his unwavering message: “You are somebody.” The service fostered a palpable sense of community, with inmates expressing their joy through song and dance. Keyuana Muhammad, assistant executive director of programs for the Cook County Department of Corrections, praised the collaborative effort between social justice advocates and community leaders, highlighting the crucial role of the Black church in the fight for social justice and the importance of partnerships in providing meaningful support for incarcerated individuals. She expressed gratitude for the Sheriff’s commitment to community reentry and collaborative partnerships.
Cardinal Cupich concluded the service with a call to embrace joy, tolerance, and generosity, urging everyone to overcome fear and celebrate the inherent dignity of humanity. His final prayer echoed the message of the Christmas narrative: “Don’t be afraid.” The service concluded with heartfelt greetings and handshakes between inmates and the visiting leaders, leaving a lasting impression of hope and solidarity.