Donor Profile:

Carl and Sandra Crabb, Trustees
Carl and Sandra Crabb of Bel Air, California, recently shared their thoughts on the Cultural Center.

How did you learn about the Cultural Center?
Mrs. Crabb: I love to answer this question as it bring back such fond memories. His Eminance, Cardinal Maida, met with my husband and I for a cup of cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe in Rome. I remember the beaty of the great dome of Saint Peter's behind us as he described his vision for the project. At a later time, having returned to the States, we visited the proposed site in Washington, D.C., and were given a personla tour of the grounds. We were hooked. It was so thrilling to imagine that this dream might engender.

Why did you want to become involved in the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center project?
Mr. Crabb: Having spent a number of years raising funds for various causes, I found this particular project most meaningful. I join my wife in her praise of the leadership of this effort and the Pope for the inspiration to do so.
It is always easiest to raise funds for "brick and mortar," however the man behind the building is so universally loved and respected the world over that being Catholic is and was not the prerequisite to participate.
Mrs. Crabb: The dream, and the vision, Cardinal Maida had for the library, museum and Cultural Center was an important one. Once in a lifetime, a great gift is given to humankind. Our brilliant, warm, compassionate, intensely spiritual and intellectual Pope is that gift. His leadership has been unsurpassed.
although this building is not intended as a monument only to this Pope, as a proud Polish person, I am bursting my buttons and thrilled that ist bears his name. He is an extraordinary life (and spiritual) force for good. He has shown the world what one man can do in the name of our Lord Jesus christ. To perpetuate the understanding of a lifetime work and thought of this man and of his spiritual impact upon our faith through this Center seems to me to be the most worthwhile undertaking in the world.
This Pope has significantly impacted the course of humanity. Knowing about him, his work and sharing vision with others seemed to me to be an obvious responsibility for future generations.

Why do you feel establishing the Center is important?
Mr. Crabb: For generations and generations to come, people of different faiths and persuasions will see, study, and come away richer in thought and belief and they learn of the width and breadth of the purpose of the Center.
It is easy to see why people are drawn to the Pope and his thoughts and actions. This Center allows people to express their feelings toward him in a manner seldom presented. Through the vision, inspiration and leadership of Cardinal Maida, the Cultural Center is now a living testimonial to the Pope.
Even though the Pope, I understand, didn't want this to be a monument to him, it stands as living proof of his impact upon the people of the world.

How is the cultural Center project most meaningful for you?
Mr. Crabb: As trustees, Sandy and I can, and have, drawn upon others involved for inspiration. I would not hesitate to advocate others, of any faith, to support this effort.
I found out early in my professional career that you come in contact with extremely fine people when you associate with givers of charity. Our association with the Pope John Paul II cultural Center and its prime movers and contributors serves to underscore this concept.
We thank all those that influenced us to join in this once in a lifetime experience. Especially to Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki and, specifically of course, Adam Cardinal Maida. the final and paramount inspiration to all this, without question, the Pope himself.

On your recent trip to Rome this past November, you had an audience with the Pope. How would you describe his health?
Mrs. Crabb: The most frequent question I am asked concerns the well-being of the Pope. Those closest to him report that he is mentally "sharp as a tack." The Pope routinely puts in a workday that would stagger most people. His outreach towards other faiths, the 96 countries he has visited, the 33 languages that he speaks are just some indications of his remarkable productivity. A look at his daily schedule and accomplishments over the last 25 years should put to rest people's concerns. Even at 81, few people can keep up with him.
In the Polish community, the toast to one's health is summed up in one word, "stolat," which means "one hundred years." The whole world wants this for the Pope. He has shown the world what one man can do.

Future exhibitions at the new Cultural Center will include the well-known Vatican Treasures as well as highlight the work of artists such as English sculptor Phillip Jackson.