 A few weeks ago Fr. Paul called me and asked if I would like to deliver
some remarks on the namesake of our Alma Mater at this 50th Jubilee Mass.
Astounded, I obviously agreed. This is beyond a privilege and an honor
for me to be among all of you today in this beautiful Cathedral.
I stand here, not only as a member of the graduating class of 1990, but
also as the son of a member of the graduating class of 1966. Thank you mom
and dad for your efforts to send me to Crespi, and I thank my grandparents for
sending all 4 of their boys to Crespi.
As a State Archaeologist I have had the opportunity to study and
preserve several sites that Father Juan Crespi visited with the Portola
Expedition in 1769. During my research I was able to read the original journals
written by Father Crespi. The Franciscan missionary was one of the first
Europeans to see, explore, and describe California. The significance of the
Crespi journals as a primary historic document is beyond approach. His
insights, so eloquent yet plainly descriptive, have given us a true glimpse into
the natural and cultural prehistory of this great State.
The tireless journeyer and faithful companion of Father Junipero Serra,
Crespi spent the remaining years of his life at Mission Carmel. He died on New
Years Day in 1782 at 60 years of age and lies next to Serra at the foot of the
altar at that same Mission.
His legacy is seen across California today in the numerous places that he
himself named, including Los Angeles, the City of Angels. It is furthermore
seen in the numerous city streets and place names named after him, and one
fine high school in particular. Today, we are still familiar with the many
prominent landscapes that Father Juan Crespi himself gazed upon.
As I researched him, it did not take long to see the exemplary way in
which Father Juan Crespi conducted himself in life. It was not hard to draw the
parallels between Juan Crespi, the man then, and the model of the “Crespi
Man” today, which our school strives to employ: “The life long learner, someone who strives to improve their community, takes
risks in order to grow, takes responsibility for their actions, a commitment to an
ethical life, and a person who recognizes and respects the uniqueness, dignity
and personal gifts of all people.” Tenets, I believe, governed the Spanish
missionary as well.
As we sit here this afternoon in this most beautiful Cathedral, whose
architecture was inspired by the themes of “Light and Journey”, may we reflect
of Father Juan Crespi’s most famous journey, and, on our own personal
journeys which have led us all, one way or another, through those hallowed
halls at 5031 Alonzo Avenue in Encino, California.
GO CELTS!!!!! |
