Empowering others to service
Two years ago, I met a longtime parishioner named Anthony Silva. He was an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and loved serving the morning Mass. Whenever there was something that needed to be done for the good of the community, he was there. He actually took the initiative without waiting for the command. I love empowering the people.
Even as his cancer grew, Anthony still made sure to come to church every day. Whenever I asked him how he was doing, he replied, “I am OK.” He was at peace with his situation. I think he got his strength through the Eucharist. I admire him because he served without counting the cost, without expecting anything in return. He never wanted to be publicly recognized. As Matthew 20:28 says, “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Service is very important to me and is what inspires my ministry. I am now on my 12th year as a priest, and with the grace of God it is clear that I am still inspired to serve and not to just sit back to be served. Over the years I took different parishioners to the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in order to empower them as leaders of the church. I know it is easy to center everything on the priest who serves a parish. But what happens after he leaves? When you empower others, they step up as leaders and things won’t crumble after the priest is gone.
As I grow older, I have also learned to choose my battles. It was easier before for me to just react as situations arose. However, by reflecting on my attitude and entrusting myself to the Lord, I have come to realize that this is all a part of the journey. Not everything is a bed of roses, there are thorns and that is a reality. Thus, by doing my best and offering everything to the Lord, I am at peace.
I have loved my time here with this small faith community at Holy Cross Church on Kauai. As I prepare to take leave to return to the Philippines, I would like to offer a word of thanks, first to the Lord for the opportunity to minister here. And second, to the wonderful people of the parish who have supported me, loved me, and challenged me. To all, a big mahalo.
Father Edison Pamintuan is a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette from Isabela, Luzon. He has served at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo, Kauai, for nine years. Three of those years he served as parochial vicar, becoming pastor in 2008.