A Consoling Encounter: Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, Visits PJPS
On September 8, 2026, the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. was deeply blessed to welcome a very special guest, Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, together with his companions, Hector and Steve.
What unfolded was more than a visit. It was a day of fellowship, honest conversation, shared stories, and a renewed reminder that transformation becomes possible when people choose to walk with one another.
Fr. Greg and the homies were warmly welcomed by Ma’am Rexy Morales, Chair of the PJPS Board of Trustees, together with members of the PJPS community. The gathering became an opportunity to celebrate the experiences of people whose lives continue to bear witness to the power of hope.
Gene Alolosan, PJPS PRL CARE Program Coordinator, and Mark Domingo, an Ex-Preso barista, courageously shared their own experiences. Their stories reminded everyone present that a person’s past does not have to define the rest of their life. With compassion, opportunity, and a community willing to believe in them, new paths can open.
Their stories were not simply testimonies. They were living witnesses of what can happen when someone is given another chance.
Hector and Steve also spoke from the heart to our Lakbay Laya participants. They embraced them as brothers and offered words of encouragement drawn from their own journeys. Their message was simple yet profound: persevere, allow God’s love to heal you, and trust that transformation is possible.
There was something deeply moving about seeing people who have walked difficult roads embrace one another not with judgment, but with understanding.
That is at the heart of accompaniment.
It is choosing to remain present.
It is seeing the person beyond the prison record.
It is believing that dignity remains even in the midst of brokenness.
It is creating spaces where people can heal, reconcile, begin again, and discover that they are still loved.
Fr. Greg graciously affirmed the work of PJPS and reminded us that this is holy work, the work of our Lord.
Those words were a profound consolation for the PJPS community. They reminded us that our mission is not simply about programs, employment opportunities, livelihood assistance, or social support. These are important ways of serving, but at the heart of everything is a deeper calling: to accompany our brothers and sisters as they rebuild their lives and rediscover hope.
It was especially meaningful that this encounter took place on September 8, the birthday of the Blessed Mother Mary.
Mary’s life speaks beautifully of humble service, faithful presence, and a courageous yes to God. Her example invites us to continue saying yes to the people entrusted to our mission, especially those who are seeking a new beginning.
The visit of Fr. Greg, Hector, and Steve reminded us that healing does not happen in isolation. Transformation flourishes in communities where people are welcomed, accepted, encouraged, and given the opportunity to become who they are called to be.
At PJPS, we believe that accompanying persons released from prison means walking with them beyond the prison gates. It means helping create opportunities for employment and livelihood while also creating spaces for healing, acceptance, reconciliation, renewal, and hope.
Because every person deserves the chance to begin again.
Every story can still be transformed.
Every life carries dignity.
And every new beginning can become a testimony of God’s grace.
We are deeply grateful to Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, Hector, and Steve for this consoling encounter and for sharing not only their words, but also their presence, friendship, and witness.
Their visit strengthened our shared commitment to a mission rooted in compassion and accompaniment. It reminded us once again of the privilege of walking alongside our brothers and sisters as they rebuild their lives, rekindle hope, and restore their dignity.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
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