Father Gregory Boyle Speaks <br/> at Pasadena Central Library

Father Boyle will be signing books after a Q & A. – Courtesy photo / City of Pasadena

Homeboy Industries has been helping gang members reenter society since 1992

Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, will share stories of faith, caring and compassion on Sunday, Sept. 30 at Pasadena Central Library, located at 285 E. Walnut St. Seating begins at 1 p.m. Father Boyle’s presentation starts at 1:30 p.m. followed by Q & A, book sales and signing, and a reception. Homeboy Bakery goods will also be available for sale.

Father Boyle has dedicated his life to helping the most marginalized individuals find a place in society. In a moving example of unconditional love in difficult times, the Jesuit priest and bestselling author of “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion” and “Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship” shares what three decades of working with gang members in Los Angeles have taught him about faith, compassion, and the enduring power of kinship.

Critics hailed Father Boyle’s first book, “Tattoos on the Heart,” as an “astounding literary and spiritual feat” (Publishers Weekly) that is “destined to become a classic of both urban reportage and contemporary spirituality” (Los Angeles Times).

His second book, “Barking to the Choir,” reveals how compassion is transforming the lives of gang members. In a nation deeply divided and plagued by poverty and violence, “Barking to the Choir” offers a snapshot into the challenges and joys of life on the margins. Sergio, arrested at nine, in a gang by twelve, and serving time shortly thereafter, now works with the substance-abuse team at Homeboy to help others find sobriety. Jamal, abandoned by his family when he tried to attend school at age seven, gradually finds forgiveness for his schizophrenic mother. New father Cuco, who never knew his own dad, thinks of a daily adventure on which to take his four-year-old son. These former gang members uplift the soul and reveal how bright life can be when filled with unconditional love and kindness.

For more information on this event, contact Christine Reeder at (626) 744-7076 or creeder@cityofpasadena.net.

More from Community