By Katlin Sweeney

Features Editor

Next week, students will be able to enjoy a lecture by noted humanitarian Father Greg Boyle as he educates the public on the importance of compassion.

“Tattoos on the Heart” is at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at  at the CSUSM Pavillion in Lot N off of Campus View Dr. One of the first events of the Arts & Lectures series scheduled for this spring, “Tattoos on the Heart” is the product of the hard work of Father Gregory Boyle.

The lecture follows his journey to prevent the increase of youth either in risk of becoming or currently involved in gangs in East Los Angeles’ barrio communities. He has dedicated 25 years of his life to finding out what triggers an adolescents’ desire to join a gang, and to finding ways to motivate youth to see other avenues of life for themselves.

Having spoken to and worked with many of those heavily affected by gang violence, Father Boyle provides valuable insight into the world beyond what many people see. Since starting out in 1988,
his efforts to spark change  evolved into the creation of Homeboy Industries. Its existence has made a tremendous impact in the community, further contributing to the decrease of youth involved in gangs.

Besides his intervention programs, Boyle’s impressive success has spanned numerous categories. His novel, “Tattoos on the Heart: The Boundless Power of Compassion,” which contributes to the lecture’s title, is a New York Times bestseller. In addition to this, he has been recognized for his work with at-risk youth, which earned him a spot in the California Hall of Fame.

For those in attendance at the “Tattoos on the Heart” lecture, Father Boyle will bring audience members stories of hope and information on an extremely important topic. Students and community members that are interested in going can purchase tickets online at the Arts & Lectures portion of the CSUSM website.