Father Christian Mondor (1925-2018)
Huntington Beach Beaches:by Chris MacDonald
Writer/Photographer, HB Ambassador/The Local
News Columnist
Huntington Beach, CA--Father
Christian Mondor, "the Surfing Padre,"
was honored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Orange recently for his passionate role in
helping bring together surfers and others of
all faiths to show their spiritual
appreciation of the ocean at the annual
"Blessing of the Waves."
The modest 87-year-old friar from Sts. Simon
and Jude Church, has helped the Diocese and
Greater HB Interfaith Council grow the
increasingly popular Blessing, which brings
a real appreciation of different religions
and the ocean as well as the need to
preserve it for future generations.
The jovial Vicar Emeritus, who received a
four foot surfboard with the Blessings
insignia, has worked with the Diocese,
Council, HB Longboard Crew, HB City Council
and staff,
HB International Surfing Museum,
Lions Club and others to make it happen.
"Its a fabulous event and Father Christian
is a fabulous man. Everyone looks up to him
and is inspired by his enthusiasm," said
former mayor and current City Councilmember
Joe Carchio, who once awarded "the Surfing
Padre" the key to the city.
"He and his friends have done so much to
attract young people, surfers and others
dedicated to the environment to become
involved in the Blessing," said Shirl
Giacomi, Chancellor of the Diocese that
started the celebration in the Surf City's
surf five years ago. "Its so festive.
There's so much to see, hear and learn at
the ceremonies. My granddaughters were in
absolute awe at the last one. Father
Christian is a true treasure and we wanted
to honor him."
"I'm humbled and receive this honor on
behalf of all the people who make this
special Blessing possible," said Father
Christian, who began surfing 17 years ago at
70, and has a real appreciation for the
ocean.
"Surfing has a spiritual side, it's a time
of quiet contemplation," he said. "The time
between the waves is a wonderful time to
pray and be thankful. As you rise and fall
with the swells, there's a real beauty and
peacefulness to it. It's just a terrific
feeling."
The annual Blessing of the Waves features
pastors, priests, rabbis, immams and other
religious leaders as well as cultural music.
It takes place at Pier Plaza, just north of
the
HB Pier, then continues on to the beach
and into the ocean. Watch for the Diocese,
City and Interfaith Council and media to
announce this year's date.