Parishioner recalls how the former St. Joseph pastor touched her life
Father Joven “Jojo” Junio
By Pacita Baron
Special to the Herald
St. Joseph Church in Waipahu was extra fully packed on March 22 with friends of La Salette Father Joven “Jojo” Junio who died March 6 in the Philippines at age 57. Bishop Larry Silva celebrated a solemn memorial Mass with 26 priests. After Mass, a video showed the vibrant Father Jojo, his visionary enthusiastic attitude, his numerous accomplishments, and his singing and dancing skills. Several people told of how Father Jojo touched their lives. All of us who have met Father Jojo can attest that he has left a legacy of lifetime remembrances.
My first encounter with Father Jojo was during the 50th convention of the Diocesan Congress of the Filipino Catholic Clubs many years back in Kekaha, Kauai, where the organization was founded.
It was during that convention that he opened my heart and mind about the true meaning of evangelization. He explained in his presentation that evangelization goes far beyond going door-to-door or making speeches. He noticed that parishioners “reserve” seats inside the church, especially during feast days. He was definitely talking about me and others like me. I remember one time talking harshly to a person who had taken my seat. I said, “I remember you. You joined Hope Chapel and now you come back to take my favorite seat.” She said she would find another seat.
Father Jojo said that we have to wholeheartedly welcome the people who come to church once a year. We should show and share our genuine happiness when we see that they are joining us. We have to build a strong bond as children of God. We have to offer them the best seat so that they can hear the Gospel and see well what is going on during the celebration. We have to allow them with sincerity in our hearts to take our seats if they prefer.
There is another story he told me. It was about praying the rosary. He firmly believes that praying the rosary from the heart is powerful. After all, it is a meditation on the life of Jesus and Mary. Praying from the heart, he said, not mumbling fast. The story goes: one day while traveling by bus in the Philippines, passing the Sierra Madre Mountains, he was praying the rosary and asking the Lord to keep everybody safe on the journey. Suddenly, the bus driver stopped because all the animals, creeping insects, creatures big and small were gathering in the middle of the road.
The driver was puzzled. Father Jojo told him to stop moving. He explained to the driver that something was going to happen. The creatures were giving warning. No sooner had he finished talking, there was a strong earthquake and the road about 50 feet in front of the bus cracked and was cut into a deep ravine. The bus and the people inside the bus were safe but then they were stranded for a week.
Father Jojo was moved with pity for the passengers, especially the young children. He went up to the mountain to look for anything edible to feed them. He found fruit and an abundance of edible vegetation that sustained them during the catastrophe. Somehow he was not hungry. Looking at them satisfied and nourished made him happy.
He is a truly a very caring person and he will be always in our hearts. Farewell until we meet again.