Retired Senate President

As Senate President of Massachusetts for the past 17 years, Bill Bulger followed in some exalted footsteps. Notables such as Samuel Adams and Calvin Coolidge held the post before him, but Bulger held the distinction of having the longest tenure in the office in the history of the state and one of the longest in the country. 

Bulger is also one of the more colorful politicians from a long line of legendary Boston Irish politicians, who regularly makes the front page of the newspapers. He was hailed as the most powerful state legislator in the country by The New York Times. 

First elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1960 as a representative from South Boston, Bulger was elected to the state senate in 1970, and in 1978 rose to the senate presidency. “Billy Bulger almost defines Boston Irish,” broadcaster Morley Safer said of him. “His district is South Boston, home of the legendary boss politician, James Michael Curley, whose spirit is alive and well in Bulger.” 

In January this year, Bulger was appointed President of the University of Massachusetts. His book, While the Music Lasts, will be published on St. Patrick’s Day. Father Greg Boyle Homeboy 

“You always imitate the kind of God you believe in,” says Father Gregory Boyle. “If you believe that your God loves you without measure and without regret and in an unconditional way, then you generally behave that way towards others.” The “others” in Father Boyle’s life are some of the toughest gang members from some of the meanest streets of East Los Angeles. As Pastor for six years at Dolores Mission, the poorest parish in the city of Los Angeles, Father Boyle confronts daily the challenges and tragic casualties of young men and women trapped in lives without vision and hope.