A celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Dominguez-Escalante expedition was held at Spanish Fork City Park. Father Omar Ontiveros, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Orem, served as a speaker representing Bishop Oscar A. Solis.
During the event, Ontiveros noted that Franciscan friars Atanasio Domínguez and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante were the first priests to map the Utah Valley. He stated that the friars interacted with the Timpanogos Utes near Utah Lake in September 1776.
Ontiveros spoke about the significance of the Dominguez-Escalante cross located on Dominguez Hill in the Spanish Fork area. He described the cross as a symbol of Catholic heritage and a marker of the encounter between Franciscan priests and indigenous people. He noted the expedition involved priests who faced harsh terrain, extreme weather, and near starvation while producing the first documented maps of the region.
The celebration is part of an ongoing commemoration. The Cross and Culture Relay, a multi-state heritage initiative, is carrying a wooden cross along the expedition route. A prayer service was scheduled for Sept. 23 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine at 6:30 p.m.
Ontiveros shared personal reflections regarding his journey from Sonora, Mexico, to Utah in 2000 to study for the priesthood for the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
