Fraternal Admiration

I'm always excited when the lives, work, ministry, and legacy of my Jesuit brothers catches the attention of a wider audience. Today, I came across three items along these lines, which I offer for your consideration. Clicking on each title will lead you to another site as indicated. Enjoy!

Greg Boyle, SJ and the Homeboy Cafe in Los Angeles' City Hall

Greg Boyle, SJ has spent years ministering to current and former gang members in Los Angeles, and has worked with them to establish a variety of programs, services, and full-fledged businesses that provide a viable, safe, and fulfilling alternative to life on the streets for thousands of Los Angeles' youth. The "Homeboy Industries" organization that grew from Fr. Boyle's vision and devotion now operates a cafe in Los Angeles' City Hall; its opening is profiled in a short video linked above.

The Jesuit Post

The Jesuit Post is a blog recently launched through the efforts and collaboration of a number of young Jesuits around the country. Blogging on a variety of topics– from social issues to spirituality, from technology to theology, from cultural affairs to contemplative reflection– these Jesuits, many still studying and preparing for ordination to the priesthood, offer an intriguing perspective on the world in which we all live. The link above guides you to the blog's home page, where you can read about its staff and contributors, as well as peruse their writings.

The book "Fraternity" highlighted on the Callie Crossley Show

The Callie Crossley Show, aired on WGBH, a public radio and television station in Boston, profiled Fraternity, a new book by journalist Diane Brady that profiles a significant period in the history of the College of the Holy Cross. [This link directs you to a news article on the Holy Cross website.] Amidst the social and racial upheaval of the late 1960s, a Jesuit professor– who went on to become a dean and later president at Holy Cross, and who remains a beloved fixture and wisdom figure in the community– traveled throughout the South to recruit promising African-American men (Holy Cross became coeducational in 1972) to join the College community. As the book describes, their education and experience at Holy Cross, and the ongoing mentorship and support of Fr. John Brooks, SJ, set them on the path to success, prominence, and remarkable contributions to society. The link above directs you to the full audio of the one-hour show.