Hawaii continuously welcomes religious women and men to the islands, either on new or returning assignments. Here are their photos and brief profiles of some of the latest, in alphabetical order.
Sister Kristhen Batuigas, OP
Teacher, St. John the Baptist School, Kalihi
Sister Kristhen was born in Dumalag, Capiz, Philippines, the 10th of 11 children. She is eight years professed as a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary. An elementary school educator, she recently completed her master’s in educational management. She looks forward to the challenge of mission and learning from the American and Hawaiian cultures. A former softball coach, she enjoys volleyball, badminton and softball, as well as dancing and singing.
Sister Francine Costello, CSJ
Hoomaluhia Community, Moanalua
Sister Francine is returning to the islands after being away for six years while serving on the congregational leadership team of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Louis, Mo. Sister Francine is a graduate of St. Theresa School, Honolulu and Sacred Hearts Academy, Kaimuki. During her 55 years of religious profession she has served in many roles including that of a missionary in Peru for 20 years and working with the Hispanic ministry of the Diocese of Honolulu.
Sister Mercedita Estrella, SPC
Director of Religious Education, Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa
Born in the city of Dumaguete in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental, Sister Mercedita is one of eight children in her family. She is nine years professed as a Sister of St. Paul of Chartres. Sister Mercedita looks forward to working with the people in Hawaii accompanying their faith journey. Her hobbies include gardening, creating art and crafts and singing.
Sister Mariza Mendes, SPC
Principal, St. Anthony School, Honolulu
The eldest of three, Sister Mariza is from the urban city of Pasig in Metro Manila. Fifteen years professed as a Sister of St. Paul of Chartres, she is excited to be here following her order’s charism to “be all things to all people.” She looks forward to reaching out and meeting people, as well as learning from the people of Hawaii. Sister loves exploring nature and dabbling in painting, writing and composing music.
Sister Laura Fidelis Nolin, FSP
Mission Outreach, Pauline Books and Media
Sister Laura was born in Newport, Vt., and is second to her older brother. A nurse by profession, Sister Laura made her first vows as Daughter of St. Paul last August. She looks forward to learning of all the different cultures that beautifully compose Hawaii. She is a pianist and enjoys listening to music and watching movies.
Sister Lorlene Panalingan, OP
Rosary Preschool, Waipio Gentry
The youngest of seven, Sister Lorlene was born in Himamaylan City, Negros, Philippines. She is nine years professed as a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary. Sister Lorlene comes to Hawaii with experience as an elementary school teacher and assistant infirmarian in the Dominican sisters Motherhouse. This is her first mission abroad. She enjoys sewing, reading and being outdoors in the silence of nature.
Father Edward Popish, SSCC
Parochial Vicar, St. Augustine Church, Waikiki
After 10 years in Rome serving on the general administration of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Fathers and Brothers as secretary, archivist and treasurer, Father Popish returns home to Hawaii to parish work and to be treasurer for the U.S. Province. Born in Aspen, Colo., he has one brother. He is 24 years ordained and looks forward to getting back into pastoral work. He hopes to return to the study and playing of classical organ music.
Father Dennis Ruane, SSS
Professional Counselor, Our Lady of Keaau
Father Ruane, a Blessed Sacrament priest, is the seventh of eight children born in Philadelphia, Pa. He has been ordained 54 years. He holds a master’s degree in psychology counseling and a doctorate in addiction. Of retirement age, but still desiring to minister to those in need, he came to Hawaii last year, took the licensing exams and is certified to practice in the islands. He served in Africa for 15 years and loves nature, especially bird and whale watching.
Sister Christine Steigerwald, OSF
Hospice Chaplain, St. Francis Health Care Systems
Sister Christine was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She has one sister, a niece in Hawaii and two adopted children on the mainland. She is 10 years professed as a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities and a registered nurse. She comes to Hawaii from Lewiston, N.Y. where she served as chaplain. As hospice chaplain in Hawaii, she hopes to visit different homes as well. She is an avid reader, likes to walk, and crochets with the Prayer Shawl Ministry, which she would like to continue here.
Sister Danielle Tamashiro, OSF
Volunteer, Catholic Charities
Sister Danielle, whose father is originally from Kaimuki, is glad to be back in Hawaii. The youngest of three born in Southern California, she comes most recently from an assignment on the East Coast. A former teacher, she is in her second year of novitiate with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. She looks forward to exploring new ministry possibilities in Hawaii. She enjoys the outdoors and has been learning how to quilt by hand.