Ten miles. Twenty young Catholics. One mission: To be “walking witnesses” of the faith.
That was the story behind the first-ever West Honolulu vicariate youth and young adult “Crosswalk,” Sept. 28. Participants spent the Saturday morning traveling by foot through the city’s highways and byways, taking turns carrying a large wooden cross. Their route began in Pauoa Valley at Blessed Sacrament Church and ended at Holy Family Parish near the Honolulu International Airport.
The prayerful journey took nearly five hours.
Along the way, the young faithful visited five other West Honolulu vicariate parishes: Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, St. Anthony Church and St. John the Baptist Parish in Kalihi and St. Philomena Church in Salt Lake. At each stop they prayed a decade of the Joyful Mysteries of the rosary.
Grace Benitez, youth ministry coordinator at St. Anthony Kalihi, said the Crosswalk was a way “to reflect on my faith, and the burdens I carry on my own cross daily.”
Benitez, who serves as the West Honolulu vicariate representative for the diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry Advisory Council, said the fellowship among the participants from different parishes helped them see the support of the universal church.
“Being together with others in prayer let me know that I don’t have to carry those burdens alone, and how we are always there to pray for and with each other,” she said.
Spirits boosted
The Crosswalkers also got their spirits boosted from passersby. Many who saw their public display of faith admired their positive message.
“Throughout the entire trek, we turned heads, heard the honks of passing cars and lots of words of faith and support from the people we passed along the way,” said Benitez.
Crosswalks held by local Catholic groups in the past inspired the West Honolulu vicariate ministries to try one of their own. Benitez said they are considering another Crosswalk next year, perhaps taking time to visit other parishes in the area.
Youth and young adult minister Dann Ebina of the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa said the Crosswalk is an effective activity for the “new evangelization.” It reflects Pope Francis’ message at this year’s World Youth Day encouraging young people to “go out and make disciples of all nations.”
“We as Catholics, by virtue of our Baptism, are all called to go out into the world and to be witnesses to our Lord, Jesus Christ,” Ebina said. “Through our small sacrifice, we hope to bring the message of the Gospel to those who might not otherwise hear it.”
(Photos by Dann Ebina)
