In recognition of 50 years of membership in the Society of Jesus and service to those in need, approximately 250 family, friends, donors, and Jesuits gathered on the lawn of Loyola High School in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Director Barbara Menard drove up from San Diego to attend the event. The celebration began with Mass concelebrated with Fr. Greg and several Jesuit colleagues. The Chapel Choir from Jesuit High School provided beautiful music. Following the Eucharist, hors d’oeuvres and beverages were available outside until the group was escorted into the hall filled with magnificent golden decorations and flowers.
Lisa Ling, local television personality was the celebration host for the evening. Fr. Greg Goethals, SJ, President of Loyola High School and alumni of the class of 1973 gave the Invocation. Throughout the evening there were video tributes by noted leaders including: President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden; Governor Gavin Newsom and other state and local officials. Live tributes were shared by Fr. Greg’s brother Steve Boyle speaking for the Boyle family; the Honorable Maria Elena Durazo, California State Senator; Dr. Robert K. Ross, President & CEO of The California Endowment; Dolores Huerta, Activist; and Steve Avalos, Co-Director of Case Management at Homeboy Industries. The evening concluded with remarks by Fr. Greg Boyle about his experiences in establishing Homeboy Industries.