The holiday season was in full swing, when San Quentin residents and religious leaders gathered in Chapel B, to share the love of Christ.
For some incarcerated people Christmas can be a lonely time, but when residents and volunteers begin to fill the chapel, hearts were filled with the spirit of joy.
“I get depressed during the holidays, and I miss my family very much, said SQ resident Tony De Trinidad. “However, this event gives me a bit of that family feeling.”
In the absence of the residents’ families, there was a sense of unity, which permeated behind the prison’s walls.
In attendance were different ethnicities gathered to enjoy the festivities, but SQ’s Spanish speaking community made up the majority of the celebratory banquet.
Laughter among those in the room, intertwined with the delightful sounds from the “Unico-Elemento” the band provided the perfect atmosphere for the elements of cheerfulness.
Resident Moises Ramos who is the lead musician of the band, elaborated on the importance of performing at the banquet.
”It brings us great joy, and it helps us in the healing process of others,” Ramos said. “For the Hispanic community a lot of them have never seen a live Spanish band. It’s great to give [them] that experience.”
The banquet beautifully captured the spirit of Christmas. One big Christmas tree and one small Christmas tree were placed on the stage. Both trees were filled from top to bottom with bright lights and other shiny ornaments. The large tree had a glowing star, and the smaller one had a baby angel on top.
Stockings hung along the walls, with sayings like “Holy Holy,” “Jesus lives,” and “Christ the King.”
Volunteer Anna Dorion laughed, she said she thought she had walked into a wedding at first, because of how nice and put together the place looked.
She added, “Today I didn’t think I was in San Quentin. When you talk about rehabilitation this does me good, when we’re lifting each other up this is Gods Kingdom on earth.”
The attributes of Christ could be seen throughout this festive event, when cold drinks were served such as orhchata a Mexican drink that is made up of Milk, Sugar, Rice, and Cinnamon, which everyone seemed to enjoy.
The banquet’s main dish that was served consisted of a dinner roll, collard greens, mac & cheese, and a slice of ham and turkey. After the meal everyone was given a piece of chocolate cake.
Olegario Ambriz, one of the servers, took a break to share the reason he chose to serve the population rather than to just enjoy the event.
“For me, it is knowing that Jesus served. That’s my motivation every time I help somebody, that’s the way I honor my creator my way to make amends,” Ambriz stated.
Throughout the event parishioners provided a comfort as they walked around greeting offering hugs and giving handshakes making sure nobody was missed.
Trever Burgon of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, spoke about the impact he hoped the banquet would have on the incarcerated population and beyond.
“I hope this event is impactful in a way, the residents don’t feel alone,” Burgon said. “Christmas in here can be a lonely time, I hope by being here to share a little of the light of Christ they know Christ hasn’t left them alone.”
The event displayed that the beauty of humanity still exist inside, a dark place where hope is often losses. A Spiritual example that reaches residents who desire to be loved, seen and heard, and that they matter to the outside world.
Ordained priest Jack Kearns, of the Latter Day Saints, said the importance of why he attended the banquet.
“For me brother, God does not do random, I was almost headed here. Because of poor choices, my calling now is to bring light into dark places.”
