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Father Christian Mondor–Forever Young

Father Christian Mondor, who took up surfing at the age of 70 and became known as the Surfing Padre, was the oldest Franciscan Friar on the West Coast, founding member of Blessing of the Waves annual interfaith beach event in Huntington Beach, and America’s Oldest Act of Professional Entertainers, FOREVER YOUNG. Father Christian never missed a musical performance unless he was performing official tasks such as Mass with the Pope, Franciscan meetings at Mission Santa Barbara or attending an international banjo convention, where he served as chaplain.

The man, who earned a Ph.D., graciously provided wisdom and comfort for thousands of people in California who sought his advice. Just days before he died, he called from his hospital bed, assisting with a fundraising concert he was supposed to be performing in with FOREVER YOUNG band.

Father Christian Mondor lit up the crowd at every occasion from surfing festivals to concerts, parades and City Council meetings where he often provided an opening prayer. Appearing in his signature brown robe and wearing a smile, he brought joy wherever he went. He passed away recently at the age of 93 and will be interred at Mission Santa Barbara. Read a special tribute to this unique and unforgettable man…>

About the Brown Robe

The image of a preaching Friar, in a simple brown robe, is a powerful, evocative, and indelible image. It’s one of the most iconic and recognizable religious habits in the world.

Franciscans friars, who embrace a life of simple and unattached poverty, wear brown robes reflecting the destitution of the peasants Franciscans served at the time of their founding. Made of the least expensive brown cloth and old clothing donated by those peasants,  a simple corded rope, known as cinture, with three knots was (and is) worn around the waist. The three knots represent Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, the three cornerstones of the Franciscan Order.