Cherished Belonging

The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times

By: Gregory Boyle

Narrated by: Gregory Boyle

In a world increasingly marked by division and discord, beloved Jesuit priest Gregory Boyle offers a transformative vision of community and compassion—a perfect message for readers of Anne Lamott, Mary Oliver, and Richard Rohr.

Over the past thirty years, Gregory Boyle has transformed tens of thousands of lives through his work as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world. The program runs on two unwavering principles: 1) We are all inherently good (no exceptions), and 2) we belong to each other (no exceptions).

Boyle believes that these two ideas allow all of us to cultivate a new way of seeing the world. Rather than the tribalism that excludes and punishes, this new narrative proposes a village that cherishes. Pooka, a former gang member, puts it plainly: “Here, love is our lens. It is how we see things.”

In Cherished Belonging, Boyle calls back to Christianity’s origins as a spiritual movement of equality, emancipation, and peace. Early Christianity was a way of life—not a set of beliefs. Boyle’s vision of community is a space for people to join together and heal one another in a new collective living, a world dedicated to kindness as a constant and radical act of defiance. As one homie, Marcus, told a classroom filled with inner-city teenagers, “If love was a place, it would be Homeboy.”

Cherished Belonging invites us to nurture the connections that are all around us and live with kindness. Boyle believes that “the answer to every question is, indeed, compassion.” Through colorful and profound stories brimming with wisdom, humor, and inspiration, we understand that love is the light inside everything.

Just what I needed

Each book Gregory Boyle writes gets better and better. I love them all, and I was so happy when I learned this book was coming out. So I pre-ordered a hard copy of it, and felt like it was truly God-sent when I opened an Amazon box to find it on election night. Drawing from his three decades of experience with Homeboy Industries, Boyle presents a compelling vision of community and healing, rooted in the belief that every person is unshakably good and we all belong to each other. Through colorful anecdotes and wisdom from former gang members, Boyle challenges readers to see the world through a lens of love and practice radical kindness as a defiance against societal divisions. His intimate and vulnerable voice adds depth to the narrative, creating a sense of personal connection with the reader. "Cherished Belonging" is not just a book but a call to action, inspiring readers to nurture connections and see the inherent goodness in all people, offering a compassionate way forward in our current times. I can’t recommend it enough! Just what I needed. I also ordered it here on Audible, so I can listen to Father Greg read it. Truly, it’s even more powerful to listen to him read his books. I will continue to re-read and re-listen to “Cherished Belonging” as a guide to navigating these times we are living through.

Radical Acceptance for Catholics!

I love the preaching of loving kindness from the ordained. “G” offers room for all within the “bottle” of Catholicism. God loves and cherishes us all. We are called to do the same.

Our oneness

I liked the love! All the love! All the stories! And remembering again to forgive everyone, everything!

Love, just love.

Father Greg Boyle shares a brilliant recount of the beauty of oneness. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a world where love, tenderness, compassion and inclusivity reign.

My heart turned each page

this book was a textured and lavish experience of black culture and took me directly to my family and community in South Central, Los Angeles in the 40s. I absolutely highly recommend reading this book and understanding all of the characters and their distinction. This book is beautifully written, an amazing work of artistry and love.