How do you fight despair and learn to meet the world with a loving heart? No matter where people live or what their circumstances may be, everyone needs boundless, restorative love, Father Gregory Boyle believes. In his uplifting book “Tattoos on the Heart” Boyle amply demonstrates the impact unconditional love can have on a person’s life.
The beloved author will discuss his inspirational book on October 1 at the Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival, a fun-filled event that attracts thousands from south county and beyond.
In his 20-plus years of running Homeboy Industries, Boyle, who was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1982, has helped thousands of once-committed gang members — many of them bitter rivals — come together to burn the tattoos off their skin, train for jobs and move beyond lives filled with crime, despair and hopelessness. His insight into the life of a gang member brings laughter and tears. “Tattoos on the Heart” was on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list for more than a year.
The free Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oso Viejo Park and the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. The festival will feature actresses Linda Evans and Molly Shannon discussing their new books, along with several other well-known authors and illustrators. The event, which appeals to people of all ages, will boast a food court, entertainment and vendors displaying an array of literature-based products.
For more information about the authors and activities, visit www.mvreadersfestival.org.
