Cuenca, Ecuador - April 2023 - On April 30, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Cuenca was the setting for an emotional celebration in honor of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi, SDB, to commemorate 41 years since his death, 100 years since his arrival in Ecuador (April 24, 1923), and to thank God for the declaration of his venerability on April 23, 2023 by Decree of Pope Francis. Fr. Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of the Salesians of Ecuador, presided over the celebration, together with Salesian Directors and present Salesians from local communities. As part of the homily, Fr. Luciano Bellini, coordinator of the commission for the cause of beatification of Fr. Crespi, read the official decree published by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which highlighted Fr. Crespi's missionary life and his tireless work on behalf of those most in need. Fr. Farfán invited those present to contemplate Jesus as the shepherd who cares for the sheep and acknowledged that He never acted as master but gave Himself totally. In relation to the Venerable, he pointed out, "We can find in the figure of Fr. Crespi, the shepherd who, like Christ, became a sign of love for the poorest, for the weakest." He concluded his reflection by asking that the witness of Fr. Crespi help us to "open the doors of serving the poor, enlighten our lives and those of our families, and especially bless the city of Cuenca." The celebration was attended, in person or through digital links, by hundreds of members of the Salesian Family of Ecuador and faithful from the city of Cuenca, who faithfully carry on the pastoral work of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi Croci.