St. Bonaventure 

High School

Bishop Dave is a beacon of light, justice and fierce advocate for the poor, the immigrant and of Catholic schools. Moreover, Bishop Dave is our friend – a loving, kind and patient servant of Christ and our Blessed Mother, our Church, our ministry. For many of us who know him personally through school ministry, he is a larger than life person who’s humor, laugh and smile always filled out hearts with hope and joy, especially among children. Whether in challenging times or wonderful moments, he would always know the right thing to say.

Let us reflect on The Gospel from Matthew 5: 38-48

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

Now is a time for grieving, prayer and pastoral care to one another – let us lean on each other and pray for our Blessed Mother’s intervention. In the coming days and weeks we will have the opportunity to lift up Bishop Dave, his family, friends and the San Gabriel Pastoral team, region and all who he served throughout the Archdiocese. In the meantime, please keep them all in your personal and family prayers. The power of our entire ministry is needed right now to fill the hearts and souls of our Catholic community as we grieve the loss of this incredible Shepard.

~Paul Escala

Edward T. O’Donnell, a History Professor from Holy Cross College, claims that the origin of the term – luck of the Irish, stems from the fact that many successful gold rush miners were either Irish or of Irish-American birth. That caused the locals to believe their luck may somehow tie into their lineage. This certainly was true with our beloved Brother Paul Horkan and his ability to inspire donors, students, teachers, coaches, and artists to think beyond what seemed possible to create new programs, better existing ones, and reimagine our campus. His belief in each person's excellence was contagious.

Our beloved Brother Paul Horkan came to St. Bonaventure High School in 1979 and taught until he was asked to serve as Principal from 1986 through 2007. During his time as principal, and under his visionary leadership, the school grew in numbers, and we added a large complex that housed the administration and program heads, as well as new classrooms. The football program rose to new heights, winning consecutive CIF and state titles; all other sports excelled, academic excellence thrived, and an award-winning drama department was created. Another exciting project that was near and dear to his heart was the new athletic field with modern "artificial turf" surface and a beautiful track. Everything seemed possible with Brother Paul's ebullient energy.

To honor the great legend and true Seraph of Saint Bonaventure High School, Brother Paul, we are opening an endowment fund to provide the opportunity for all to participate in building a foundation of support so his legacy of excellence and vision can live on forever. Please share your love of Brother by considering a gift to the Brother Paul Endowment Fund.

Once A Seraph, Always A Seraph!