Gregory Boyle

Gregory Boyle. He is an American Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program. Based in Los Angeles, his work focuses on providing hope, training, and support to former gang members and the formerly incarcerated. Father Boyle's approach emphasizes unconditional love, kinship, and the transformative power of compassion and job training.

Early life and education

Gregory Boyle was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the city's San Fernando Valley. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1972 after graduating from Loyola Marymount University. His formation for the Jesuit priesthood included studies at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Massachusetts and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. He also earned a master's degree in English from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.. Boyle was ordained a Catholic priest in 1984 and later served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, one of the poorest parishes in the city.

Career and Homeboy Industries

While serving at Dolores Mission Church in the late 1980s, Boyle witnessed the devastating impact of gang violence in neighborhoods like Pico-Aliso and Ramona Gardens. In response, he helped establish Jobs For A Future and created Homeboy Bakery in 1992, which later expanded into the comprehensive nonprofit organization Homeboy Industries. The organization provides a wide array of free services, including job training, mental health counseling, legal services, tattoo removal, and educational programs. Key initiatives under the Homeboy Industries umbrella include Homegirl Café, Homeboy Silkscreen, and the Homeboy Farmers Market. Boyle's methodology, often cited in talks at institutions like Harvard University and the TED Conference, rejects moralizing in favor of radical inclusion and creating a community of mutual support.

Awards and recognition

Gregory Boyle has received numerous accolades for his humanitarian work. He was awarded the University of Notre Dame's prestigious Laetare Medal in 2017. In 2011, he was inducted into the California Hall of Fame by Governor Jerry Brown. Other significant honors include the Hilton Humanitarian Prize, the James Beard Foundation Leadership Award, and the Spirit of Anne Frank Award. He has also been recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change and received honorary doctorates from several universities, including Loyola University Chicago and the University of Southern California.

Publications

Boyle is the author of two bestselling books that detail his experiences and philosophy. His first book, *Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion* (2010), published by Free Press, won the PEN Center USA Literary Award for Creative Nonfiction. His second book, *Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship* (2017), also published by Simon & Schuster, further explores themes of redemption and community. His writings and stories are frequently featured in publications like The New York Times and on programs such as On Being with Krista Tippett.

Personal life

Gregory Boyle continues to live and work in Los Angeles, serving as the executive director of Homeboy Industries. He is a prominent speaker on issues of social justice, restorative justice, and compassion. His personal commitment to his vocation within the Society of Jesus and his community remains central to his identity. Boyle's life and work have been profiled by major media outlets including CNN, NPR, and The Los Angeles Times.

Category:American Jesuits Category:American humanitarians Category:1954 births Category:Living people