In Jimmy Dunne’s November 30 Substack “Jimmy Dunne Says,” he honored Father Greg Goethals and wrote: This past week, California lost one of its true treasures—Father Greg.
For 19 years, Father Greg has been the leader and heart of Loyola High School of Los Angeles.
He went to high school at Loyola, then on to his college days at Santa Clara University, and earned three master’s degrees. As a proud Jesuit, Father Greg’s journey brought him back to his Loyola roots.
What a difference he made there—building every part of Loyola into one of the most revered private high schools in the country.
A handful of years ago, Father Greg asked me to write an alma mater for Loyola. It’s a collaboration I will forever treasure.
We spent a morning at the grand piano in the serenity of Loyola’s stunning chapel—with Father Greg in a chair right next to me.
All I can tell you is this.
Those words are a mirror of that man. That extraordinary, selfless gentleman.
Creating an alma mater deeply mattered to him. He wanted it to tell the story of the most beautiful, inspiring, exciting place at Loyola.
The hearts of the young men.
All I did that morning was frame, with music, what poured out of his soul.
With tears running down his face, he spoke for every young man who has called that campus home. He said,
“I am Loyola
I’m in its walls
I feel God’s love
Inside its walls
In my heart, I know
We can change the world
We are men for others
Forever, band of brothers
Loyola, I am”
It may have been a story about all Loyola Cubs, but it was also a memoir. Of what his home meant to him.
If what defines a man is the difference he makes in others’ lives,
If it’s the joy and love he brings to the world,
If it’s the way he sees the best in you, long before you see it yourself,
If it’s his unwavering devotion to what he passionately believes in,
If it’s the countless unseen moments of kindness and courage,
Then Father Greg was a giant among men.
How blessed we are to have walked your halls with you, Father Greg.