Christmas in Jail

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez meets with inmates at Men’s Central Jail in downtown L.A. after holding Mass

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Dec. 25, 2015 6:03 PM PT

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said Christmas Mass for a group of inmates at Men’s Central Jail in downtown L.A.

About 200 inmates attended Mass on Christmas Day. “Nothing can separate us from the love of God — not our sins, not our weaknesses,” Gomez said.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

L.A. Archbishop Jose Gomez offers Communion to inmates at Men’s Central Jail.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

An inmate kneels in prayer after receiving Communion on Friday.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

L.A. Archbishop Jose Gomez, left, and Sheriff Jim McDonnell greet inmates after Friday’s Mass. McDonnell said he hoped that religion would help the inmates lead more productive lives.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Archbishop Jose Gomez’s message carried special resonance in a room full of men who have led troubled lives and were spending the holiday away from their families.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)