Rey M. Rodríguez

Bilingual poems that honor the women of Boyle Heights — because all are sacred.

Pasadena, CA
Todos Somos Sagrados / All Are Sacred by Rey M. Rodríguez
Portrait of Rey M. Rodríguez

I'm a poet, writer, and attorney based in Pasadena. My debut collection, Todos Somos Sagrados / All Are Sacred, is a bilingual tribute to the women of Boyle Heights — with a preface by Father Gregory Boyle. After more than thirty years in community at Dolores Mission, I write toward one belief: all are sacred.

Readings & Appearances

Upcoming

Jul112026 · 7 PM

L.A. Book Launch — Beyond Baroque

A bilingual reading to launch Todos Somos Sagrados / All Are Sacred, with Lorna Dee Cervantes, William Archila, and Jose Hernandez Diaz. In person at The Wanda Coleman Theater and livestreamed online.

Beyond Baroque · Venice, CA
Summer’26Date TBA

An Evening of Flor y Canto

“Todos Somos Sagrados (All Are Sacred)” — a Grand Performances evening with Proyecto Pastoral, featuring Lorna Dee Cervantes, Aideed Medina, Ceasar K. Avelar, Janet Gonzalez, and musical guests Las Chorizeras.

Grand Performances · Downtown L.A. · Free

Some books are written for a reader; others are written for a community. Rey Rodriguez's new collection of poems is plainly the latter.— Pasadena Now

Press & Media

In the news

Feature · Jun 21, 2026

A Poet Honors the Mothers of Boyle Heights

Pasadena Now profiles the new bilingual collection and the women of Proyecto Pastoral who inspired it.

Read at Pasadena Now →
Feature · Jun 26, 2026

The Hammer Comes to Vroman's

Pasadena Now covers the El Martillo Press reading and signing at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena.

Read at Pasadena Now →
Podcast

MFA Writers Podcast

Rey joins host Jared McCormack to discuss the collection and his path from law to poetry.

Listen →
Good to know

Q & A

Where can I buy the book?

Todos Somos Sagrados / All Are Sacred is available on Amazon and Bookshop.org. Every sale supports Proyecto Pastoral.

Is the book bilingual?

Yes. The collection is written in both English and Spanish, translated by Javier H. Morrone, with cover art by Jose Ramirez.

How do I book Rey for a reading or workshop?

Readings and workshops are arranged through his publisher, El Martillo Press, at elmartillopress@gmail.com.

Who wrote the preface?

Father Gregory Boyle — the Jesuit priest who founded Homeboy Industries — wrote the book's preface.

Where do the proceeds go?

To Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission in Boyle Heights, where Rey has been in community for more than thirty years.

Contact

Get in touch

For a paid reading, a workshop, or a media request, reach Rey through his publisher, El Martillo Press.

elmartillopress@gmail.com Published by
Rey M. Rodríguez © 2026 Rey M. Rodríguez · All proceeds benefit Proyecto Pastoral.
Get the Book Every sale supports Proyecto Pastoral