Father Steve Macedo in his Toyota wearing his chasuble on his way from Annunciation Church in Waimea, where he just celebrated the 8 a.m. Mass Feb. 8, to Ascension Mission in Puako for the 10 a.m. Mass. (Photo by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP)
Baggage. Who amongst us can get away without carrying some? Whether it’s physical stuff that weighs us down or emotional attachments that are our burden, Lent is a good time to reflect on what we carry around with us. Sometimes what you haul along are the necessary tools of service.
Last month, when I was on the Big Island’s west side accompanying the traveling parish displays for the Year of Consecrated Life, a glance into the car trunk of one of our priests made me realize that the life of a rural pastor could be quite different from that of his big city Oahu brothers.
Intrigued, I asked others, “What’s in your trunk?” Here’s what they told me.
Father Stephen Macedo
Pastor, Annunciation Church, Waimea, and Ascension Mission, Puako
“In the back of my car I have a pruning saw, a drill, rope, my red fireman’s kit, and other tools. In the glove compartment I keep the oils for anointing the sick. I never know when I will be called out on an emergency whether it be for church, changing the tire of non-English speaking tourists stuck on the road, or the fire station calling up those on reserve. (Father Macedo is a former fire fighter). A few weeks ago there was a storm that knocked down a tree that blocked the highway down to Naalehu. I took out the saw and began cutting up the tree. Several other men helped to move it and clear the road. I was able to get to church on time and they were able to continue on their way.”
Father Juan Pablo Galeano
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Honokaa
“I don’t really have a trunk, but in the back of my car I carry a variety of things. There is the Mass kit for anointing the sick, and my Bible for prayer. But there is also a machete, gloves, a hat, plastic boots, a soccer ball and soccer shoes. The machete comes in handy when there are branches that need to be cut after a strong wind, or when I am cleaning the graveyard. I keep a ball and shoes in the car so that whenever there is an opportunity to play soccer, I can do so. We are like a team of priests here, ready for any need. It is interesting to note that when you become a priest, you don’t only celebrate Mass and say prayers in the church, you go out to meet and support the needs of the people.”
Father Michael Scully, SJ
Pastor, Sacred Heart Church, Hawi
“There really isn’t much in my trunk except for some reusable bags when we go shopping. Those bags help contribute to preserving the environment.”
Father Konelio Faletoi
Pastor, St. Michael Church, Kailua-Kona, Immaculate Conception Mission, Holualoa, Holy Rosary Mission, Kalaoa, St. Paul Mission, Honalo, and St. Peter by the Sea Mission, Kahaluu
“Presently, in the back of my truck there is a wheelbarrow, a ladder and some tools. At other times I keep the Spanish books there instead of carrying them in and out from the makeshift church to the back of the truck, to the office and back. Ministry on the Big Island is unique in that we need to be able to fix things, be prepared for emergencies, and take the trash to the dump ourselves. It is a simple, but very fulfilling life.”
Alfred Guerrero
Seminarian, St. Michael Church, Kailua-Kona
“In the back of my trunk I have paschal candles, candle holders, Stations of the Cross booklets, and liturgical books. I also have all kinds of tools as you never know when you are going to need a screwdriver. There is also my ukulele. Every Thursday, I visit a care home and after the Communion service I play some songs.”
Father Emerson “Boyet” Delos Reyes
Parochial vicar, St. Michael Church, Kailua-Kona
“My trunk is empty, really empty. I have not been here that long. At times though, I do put the garbage in it to take it to the dump. Or, pick up a few groceries.”
