Gregory Boyle’s book, Tattoos on the Heart, is based upon putting the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching into action. The specific encounters Boyle has with the kids encapsulates why the book is a prime example of social justice being done well since there are many encounters that show the principles of human dignity, community and common good, rights and responsibilities, option for the poor and vulnerable –just to name a few. In particular, Tattoos on the Heart embodies the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Solidarity and Option for the Poor and Vulnerable for Boyle describes how he witnessed or was part of the encounters that exemplify social justice being done well. In one instance that Boyle witnesses and is in fact striking …show more content…
He mentions Pedro’s struggle with addictions and emphasizes the importance of making a difference in someone else’s life. “I’ve come to trust the value of simply showing up and showing up and singing the song without the words. And yet each time I find myself sitting with the pain that folks carry, I’m overwhelmed with my own instability to do much more than stand in awe, dumbstruck by the sheer size of the burden –more than I’ve ever been asked to carry” (Boyle 126). With this realization, Boyle brings up the idea that indeed one person can make a difference, even if it is in just one person’s life. Boyle mentions the dream that Pedro had where the both of them were trapped when Boyle pulls out a flashlight which then prompts Pedro to find and turn on the light switch. While Boyle might not have been able to see how he could be of help to someone, this implies that one plays an important role in simply being the light that provides someone with hope. Therefore this connects to the principle of the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable because of the fact that one do his or her best to help those who are not able to help