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Gregory Boyle

69quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Gregory "Greg" Boyle is a Jesuit priest and author known for his work with homeless youth.

Birth and Death Dates


Born: December 1, 1947 (age 75)
Still living as of this writing

Nationality and Profession(s)


American
Priest, Author, Social Activist

Early Life and Background


Gregory Boyle grew up in a traditional Irish-Catholic household in New York City. His family was deeply rooted in their faith, which would later influence his decision to become a priest. After completing high school, Boyle attended the University of Santa Clara before entering the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) at the age of 21.

Major Accomplishments


Boyle's most significant contribution is the development and leadership of Homeboy Industries, an organization dedicated to providing job training, education, and support services to former gang members in Los Angeles. Homeboy Industries was founded in 1988 with a goal of helping men and women leave their past lives behind and become productive members of society.

Notable Works or Actions


Boyle's work at Homeboy Industries has been recognized internationally for its innovative approach to rehabilitation and job training. He has written several books on the subject, including Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (2009) and Barking to the Choir: The Problem with Expectation vs. the Power of Relationship (2017). These books offer a glimpse into the lives of those served by Homeboy Industries and highlight Boyle's compassionate approach to social work.

Impact and Legacy


Gregory Boyle's dedication to serving homeless youth has had a lasting impact on Los Angeles and beyond. His organization, Homeboy Industries, continues to thrive under his leadership. Through his writing, Boyle has inspired others to adopt a more relational and empathetic approach to community development.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Gregory Boyle's work and words have been widely featured in major publications, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and Christianity Today. His writing style is characterized by its accessibility and passion for social justice. Readers are drawn to his quotes because they offer a glimpse into the lives of those served by Homeboy Industries and highlight the importance of compassion in community development.

Boyle's emphasis on relationship-building over expectation has made him a sought-after speaker on issues related to homelessness, gang violence, and rehabilitation. His message is one of hope and redemption, encouraging readers to view those struggling with addiction or poverty as individuals worthy of love and respect rather than objects of pity or disdain.

Quotes by Gregory Boyle

Gregory Boyle's insights on:

Living the gospel, then, is less about “thinking outside the box” than about choosing to live in this ever-widening circle of inclusion.
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Living the gospel, then, is less about “thinking outside the box” than about choosing to live in this ever-widening circle of inclusion.
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Our sense of God always beckons us us to grow, to reimagine something wildly more breathtaking than where our imagination generally takes us.
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Our sense of God always beckons us us to grow, to reimagine something wildly more breathtaking than where our imagination generally takes us.
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The wrong idea has taken root in the world. And the idea is this: there just might be some lives out there that matter less than other lives.
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The wrong idea has taken root in the world. And the idea is this: there just might be some lives out there that matter less than other lives.
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Part of the spirit dies a little each time its asked to carry more than its weight in terror, violence, and betrayal.
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Part of the spirit dies a little each time its asked to carry more than its weight in terror, violence, and betrayal.
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Now is always vast and new. Like any practice, it’s not about technique or program. It’s a decision.
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Now is always vast and new. Like any practice, it’s not about technique or program. It’s a decision.
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Our culture is hostile only to the inauthentic living of the gospel.
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Our culture is hostile only to the inauthentic living of the gospel.
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The discovery that awaits us is that paradise is contained in the here and now.
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The discovery that awaits us is that paradise is contained in the here and now.
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They say that an educated inmate will not reoffend. This is not because an education assures that this guy will get hired somewhere. It is because his view is larger and more educated, so that he can be rejected at ninety-three job interviews and still not give up. He’s acquired resilience.
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They say that an educated inmate will not reoffend. This is not because an education assures that this guy will get hired somewhere. It is because his view is larger and more educated, so that he can be rejected at ninety-three job interviews and still not give up. He’s acquired resilience.
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Generosity in Buddhism is to be relieved of the “stain of stinginess.
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Generosity in Buddhism is to be relieved of the “stain of stinginess.
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It’s when we face for a moment the worst our kind can do, and shudder to know the taint in our own selves, that awe cracks the mind’s shell and enters the heart. – Denise Levertov.
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It’s when we face for a moment the worst our kind can do, and shudder to know the taint in our own selves, that awe cracks the mind’s shell and enters the heart. – Denise Levertov.
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