The YMCA of the Foothills is hosting keynote speaker Father Gregory Boyle at the annual community prayer breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 a.m. at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA. Everyone is welcome to the Y to join in prayer on behalf of the community, state, nation and world. The prayer brings people together as the Y continues its work in the area of social responsibility. Breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. and speakers will commence at approximately 7 a.m.

Boyle is founder of Homeboy Industries. He joins a special group of prayer breakfast speakers at the Y, including previous speakers Dennis Prager, John Wooden, Rafer Johnson, Jim Nabors, Stephanie Edwards and Domingo Mota.

A native of Los Angeles, Father Greg has taught at Loyola High School and served as chaplain in prisons in both Mexico and California, in addition to working with Christian Base Communities in Bolivia. In 1988, during Father Greg’s tenure as pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, Homeboy Industries was developed. It is now the largest gang intervention, rehab and re-entry program in the United States.

Father Greg is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion,” which has been honored by SCIBA (Southern California Indie Booksellers Association), Pen USA, Publishers Weekly, and Goodreads Choice Awards. He has received numerous honorary degrees, awards and recognitions including the Civic Medal of Honor, the California Peace Prize and Humanitarian of the Year from Bon Appetit Magazine.

In addition to the address by Father Boyle, several local clergy members will offer reflections on the city, nation and world. Local resident, comedian, actor, and Disney Channel personality Ron Pearson will serve as master of ceremonies for this very special event.

Proceeds from the prayer breakfast will benefit the Y’s Chaplain Services. Led by Chaplain Mark Yeager, Chaplain Services is non-denominational and inclusive of all, providing a foundation and resources for a healthy spirit and sound mind. The Y chaplains provide professional spiritual, mental and emotional care for Y staff and members and the community at large. Disaster relief chaplains and workers are provided through Chaplains Services, as needed locally, nationally and internationally.

Tickets for the prayer breakfast are $20 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased at the Y. Members can also purchase tickets online at www.ymcafoothills.org/Prayer Breakfast. Sponsorships are available as well.

The Y is located at 1930 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada.