Finding Hope and Healing: A Morning with Fr. Greg Boyle

On September 6, 2024, PJPS staff gathered at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, for an inspiring and heartfelt session with Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ. Known as Fr. G by those he serves, Fr. Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program in the United States. Recently honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Fr. Greg has dedicated his life to helping ex-gang members find new paths, providing them with opportunities for transformation and healing. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and community. Fr. Greg shared unforgettable stories of courage and resilience from his decades of work with Homeboy Industries. Through his radical approach—treating gang members as human beings worthy of love and second chances—Fr. Greg has built a community that embodies hope and healing. He reminded us that "Home is not a place you find; it’s something you make," and that at Homeboy, every individual is given the chance to create a new home for themselves, one rooted in acceptance and growth. The session was enriched by testimonies from two inspiring individuals whose lives have been touched by Homeboy Industries. Enrique Sanchez Jr., a former gang member from East LA, shared his journey from a turbulent childhood—marked by his father's repeated imprisonments and his mother's tragic death—to his time at Homeboy, where he found guidance, education, and eventually a role helping other youths find employment. Larry, another sharer, reminded us with his simple yet profound words, "You never know what God has in store for you." Fr. Greg’s talk was filled with wisdom and insights, such as, “Behold the one beholding you and smiling—that’s the God we have.” He emphasized that the Church is not just a place to go to, but a place to go from, carrying forward the spirit of love and acceptance. With gentle humor and deep compassion, Fr. Greg conveyed that true spiritual maturity lies in tenderness and that we are all "a whole lot more than what we have done." Homeboy Industries continues to thrive, offering a variety of social enterprises—from bakeries and pet grooming to tattoo removal—that provide job training and a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise be overlooked. Fr. Greg’s message was clear: with love, intention, and kindness, we can all play a role in transforming lives and communities. This session left the PJPS staff with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to take the lessons of Homeboy Industries into their own work and lives. As Fr. Greg reminded us, the journey of healing and transformation is not just about the individuals at Homeboy, but about all of us—our capacity to create a community where everyone is seen, valued, and given the chance to thrive. #PJPS #HomeboyIndustries #PJPSFormation #FrGregBoyleSJ #HopeAndHealing