From Jesuit Student to Jesuit Priest: Fr. Carlos Esparza SJ ’98 Comes Back Home

Father Esparza SJ ’98 walks into the Terry Center on November 20, 2015, greeted by an extremely familiar setting. He gingerly walks up to the podium and looks out over 1000+ Jesuit faculty members, students, and other friends of the school, seeing the opposite end of his view almost 20 years ago as a student. The Jesuit alumnus turned Jesuit priest then opened his mouth and promulgated a speech recounting his fond memories from his time at this school, teaching all those who listened about the gifts God and Jesuit have given us.

“Every single one of us in this room is extraordinarily blessed to be here at Jesuit,” Esparza simply stated, reminding every student of the incredible gift they have been given. These words got erudite junior Evan Bausbacher thinking about how “[Jesuit] really is the best place for [him] in every way imaginable. The academics challenge [him] to grow intellectually, the spiritual aspect allows [him] to strengthen [his] bond with God, and all of the people shape [him] into the best possible version of [himself] that [he] can imagine.”

Esparza continued to help the attentive students by reminding them that “Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and when we think about what gifts we are thankful for, we must also think about how we can give gifts back to God.” This reminder caused all listeners to reflect on what talents they have to give. For example, Bobby Turner ’17 told the Roundup,”I dedicate every single game I play to God and Jesuit. I do this by praying an Our Father before every game, and I represent Jesuit when I do my personal best while wearing that noble blue and gold jersey on the field.”

Carlos Esparza’s reflections made a special impact on Jesuit students, whom could relate to Esparaza because he was once a Jesuit student himself. He told the congregation that “[Jesuit] forms people into the best version of themselves,” and he is a prime example of that. He attended classes, listened to teachers, asked questions, and grew in mind, body, and spirit just like many other Jesuit students today. His growth allowing him to graduate Jesuit, Esparza continued his studies at Harvard where he later attained a degree in law. Esparaza then graciously choose to give back to Jesuit, a place he holds close to his heart as it helped form him into the man he is today. As someone who not only studies diligently at Jesuit, but also works part-time at Sportsplex, Bryce Ozier ’17 really admired how “[Esparza] got so successful, and then explicitly chose to donate his time, talent, and treasure to the Society of Jesus.” Having taught Carlos during his freshman year in 1994, veteran theology teacher Keith Reese told the Roundup how he is “proud of all his students, no matter their vocation…and Esparza chose an especially holy vocation”. Mr. Reese added that he is “extremely happy for him.”

Father Esparza’s words remind us to be truly thankful that we attend Jesuit, calling us to give our own gifts back to those who’ve blessed us immensely.