FR. GREG BOYLE VISITS RJ

ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2022, the Regis Jesuit High School community gathered to hear from guest speakers Fr. Greg Boyle and his Homeboys Ashley and David. They shared their emotional stories on resilience and overcoming obstacles in their life through kinship. Photos by Andrew Massie ‘23

““Once you have a taste of being cherished, there’s nothing else like it” In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, California, ex-gang members are learning what it feels like to be cherished. Growing up, a lot of them did not know there were options outside of being a gang member. From being in an environment where they were not recognized for their own value, they are now recognizing their potential. Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program, allows for the transformation of lifestyles and mindsets. Its founder, Father Greg Boyle SJ, leads the efforts to make former gang members not only feel like part of a community, but he also guides them to contribute to the community in their own positive way.

Father Boyle realized his calling after witnessing the devastating increase in gang violence in his community starting in the late 1980s. By meeting people

APPROACH THE MARGINS by Grant Barnes ‘23 FATHER GREG BOYLE, ASHLEY, AND DAVID SHARE THEIR STORIES WITH REGIS JESUIT where they were without judgment of the mistakes they may have made, he showed “NO HOPEFUL KID HAS them there was a positive direction in EVER JOINED A GANG IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. KIDS JOIN GANGS which they can live their lives. He also taught them how to pay it forward, teaching others how to recognize their own value which led to the creation of BECAUSE THEY CAN’T SEE A Homeboy Industries. Homeboy Industries FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES. provides education, jobs, and resources THEY WON’T CARE IF THEY to individuals who seek guidance. INFLICT HARM OR DUCK TO The “Homeboys” and “Homegirls” GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY.” (members of the program) were once the -FATHER GREG BOYLE, SJ unseen, living on the fringe of society. Father Boyle’s mission was to reach out and let them know they actually were seen, showing all people compassion and kinship. He recently shared this message during his visit to the Regis Jesuit High School community.

“Stand at the margins with the poor, the powerless, and the voiceless. Stand with those whose dignity has been denied. Stand with those whose burdens are more than they can bear,” said Boyle. “Stand with the disposables so the day will come when we stop throwing people away.”

Ashley and David, both Homeboys who work at Homeboy Industries, accompanied Father Boyle and shared their personal experiences. Ashley spoke of his struggles growing up managing his anger as he found himself lost in gang life. He described how several of the conflicts he faced in his life when he was younger was heightened by his sense of pride and his unwillingness to let go of the past and move on. Ashley was fortunate enough to remove himself from that life and chose to take a chance with Father Boyle and check out what Homeboy Industries was really about.

“A lot of my friends that I grew up with are either dead or doing life in prison right now. I thank God, I made it out and I’m still here.” Ashley said. “You can feel the love when you step in. It’s turned me into a different person.”

David, another Homeboy who spoke to the community, shared details about his childhood in and out of juvenile justice centers and prisons as he got older. He too was heavily involved with gangs. During his incarceration, separated and isolated, David knew that this was not the life he wanted to live. He wanted to improve his situation; he wanted to improve his life.

“When I got out I tried to get my life together: Buying a house starting fresh, raising kids,” he said.

David unfortunately “fell backward” after his sister was killed; she was someone who always accepted and loved him even knowing the mistakes he made in life. He wanted to get revenge for his sister’s murder, but he did not want anyone else to ever feel the pain that he felt when he lost her.

“She was my everything. She understood me, she knew my secrets.”

With the guidance of mentors at Homeboy Industries, both Ashley and David have taken leadership positions guiding new homeboys and homegirls to make responsible and worthwhile decisions in their lives. “I am thankful for Fr. Greg and homeboy industries for giving me my life back,” David said.

Both men displayed true vulnerability when they described how Homeboy Industries transformed their lives. They spoke from their hearts

Homeboy Industries continues to change the outlook of those wanting to improve their quality of life. It is not just the name of a company, it’s bigger than just a name. The family resulting from Father Boyle’s efforts has created a place where people are forgiven for their wrong doings, and where they can learn to forgive themselves.

“You may not care whether you live or die, but if there is someone who sees you, cherishes you, you have a chance,” Father Boyle said.

Visit homeboyindustries.org for more information on Father Greg Boyle and the mission to approach the margins with compassion and kinship.