Human Again: JPEN’s Icon
“Human Again” icon commissioned and owned by JPEN.
Artist: Br. Michael (Mickey) O’Neill McGrath, OSFS
“Knowledge and Creativity, symbolized by the book, are great liberators of the human spirit, symbolized here by the bird resting on the open pages of the book. The body of the bird is orange, the typical color of a prison uniform; while the bird’s wing is the color of human flesh, suggesting that the human spirit cannot be contained by uniforms and bars and is capable of soaring high to new heights. The central prison bar has become a leafy vine symbolic of wisdom-stretching upward from the book, in contrast to the rigid black prison bars. Its green color suggests the ongoing potential for new life, new growth, and new self-awareness that lives in every human heart. The bright blue sky and white clouds suggest a new day filled with promise; and the sun rises inside the prison cell.”
Use of this artwork requires indication that it is the exclusive property of the Jesuit Prison Education Network.
Would you like to donate to JPEN?
Visit the Jesuits of Central & Southern Province support page to learn more about how you can contribute.
To designate your gift to the Jesuit Prison Education Network, scroll down the webpage to "Donation information" to select a gift amount. Then scroll down to the "Designation" box, click on it, and select JPEN from the drop-down menu.