By Jessie Gambrell

Staff Writer
Father Gregory Boyle is a name that has been floating around campus the past several weeks.
Boyle, a Jesuit Catholic priest, is known for his dedication to the service of the lost homeboys and homegirls of East Los Angeles County through his Homeboy Industries organization establish in 1992.
On Monday, Feb. 11, Boyle came to speak to a sold-out crowd of 1,400 people in parking lot “N,” under a large event tent. More than 500 CSUSM students and faculty members attended the event to hear the inspiring stories from Father Boyle and to learn from his compassion and humbleness.
Father Boyle spent the night telling stories of the homeboys and homegirls that pulled at heartstrings. People everywhere were grabbing for tissues in response to the tragic misfortune and the touching stories of healing and retribution shown to them by Father Boyle and his colleagues.
To lighten the mood throughout the evening, he was constantly throwing in funny stories of his experiences and included relatable anecdotes throughout his speech. More than once, Father Boyle told the audience, “This tent is not the place you come to, but the place you come from.”
“I was impressed at how humble he was, given all of the lives that he has impacted. He is an incredible example of how one who gives their life to God and neighbor can be filled with so much humble joy and peace.” student Matthew Rossio said.
Father Boyle also spoke of his book “Tattoos on the Heart” and informed the audience all about Homeboy Industries that provides tattoo removal, employment services, Homegirl Café & Catering and various other services that give hope to the desperate in the slums of L.A.
“I knew [Father Boyle] with my homies from Pico Alyso, but I didn’t need his services because I was already on my way to college. He has always done favors for me whenever I needed him, coming down to speak to one of my classes, etc. […] When they hired me here I felt like something was missing, I wanted to bring something that would bridge the silent voices with the community. We should always be inclusive of the silent voices we hear, they have a home here at CSUSM,” Xuan Santos said. Santos proposed the idea for this event.
“I liked it very much, I was happy to see CSUSM offer a speaker like this, I found his story very motivating and humorous,” a community member said.
Thousands flock to Father Boyle to find their way out, their way to the right path, he provides that hope for them.
“People don’t show up for the person, it is the work that draws them.” Father Boyle said after the event.