On a trip to Los Angeles in early January, IVC San Diego members had the opportunity to step into the vision of cherished belonging – not through reading or reflection alone, but through encounter.
A group of 17 participants traveled by bus from San Diego to Los Angeles for a day-long pilgrimage to Homeboy Industries and Dolores Mission, two places deeply connected to Fr. Greg’s life and ministry. What many expected to be an informative visit quickly became something more personal and transformative.
The group’s first stop was Homeboy Industries, where they were welcomed with warmth and sincerity that immediately set the tone for the day. An atmosphere of welcome permeated the entire place as Homeboys and Homegirls greeted visitors and one another with joy. IVC Regional Council Member Barbara Menard reflected, “Love and respect abound. Every Homeboy and Homegirl that greeted each other did so with a loving, supportive attitude and attention.”
Service Corps Members Joe Lynch and Lisa King echoed this sentiment, remarking: “The happiness of everyone at Homeboy was impressive. It was exciting to see so many people rebuilding their lives with big smiles and friendly greetings!”
The group toured the facility with Francisco, a homie whose personal story brought the organization’s mission into sharp focus. Francisco spoke candidly about a life shaped by violence, incarceration, injury, and loss – and about the ongoing work of healing. His vulnerability left a lasting impression. “When our guide told his personal history, the tragedy that is shared in various ways by those who come to Homeboy became painfully real,” shared IVC Corps Member Lucy Howell.
As participants moved through classrooms and workspaces, they gained a deeper understanding of the breadth of services Homeboy offers – from job training and education to counseling and tattoo removal. Following the tour, the group shared lunch at the Homegirl Café, where the same spirit of hospitality continued and the food was delicious!
In the afternoon, the pilgrimage continued at Dolores Mission, a Jesuit parish in Boyle Heights and the spiritual birthplace of Homeboy Industries. There, the group met with pastor Brendan Busse, SJ, who shared the history of the parish, the surrounding neighborhood, and the Jesuit commitment to accompany people on the margins. Participants were struck by the parish’s deeply rooted, community-led approach in the face of many obstacles.
Fr. Brendan spoke about keeping ministry simple: walking with the people, letting the community lead, and trusting that joy emerges even amid ongoing challenges. “Dolores Mission has been a beacon of hope for Boyle Heights,” remarked Regional Council Member Adrienne Finley, who was impressed by the parish’s “roll-up-your-sleeves community Catholicism.”
As the group made the journey home, many carried a mix of gratitude and increased awareness. One participant, Deacon Peter Hodsdon, noted: “As we left, I felt a combination of joy and somberness. Good things were happening, and yet so much more needed to be done.”
For IVC San Diego, the day was not just a visit to meaningful places, but a reminder of the call at the heart of its mission: to draw close, to listen deeply, and to recognize one another as kin.
