VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP Hawaii Catholic Herald
There are times when I honestly say, “Lord, I am so tired. Give me strength.” Other times, I might just sigh, “Whew …” But, when I do need to tell the homebound or others in the hospital that I minister to that I cannot visit them that week and hear their deeper sighs of “Aw …. hope we will see you next week,” I surrender myself more to the Lord.
My ministries at St. Elizabeth (Parish in Aiea) are many and diverse. Daily, I serve as the sacristan, preparing for Masses and taking care of the linens. As the director of religious education, I oversee the Saturday and Wednesday night classes. On Monday, Tuesday and Friday I bring Holy Communion to about 60 homebound each week. On Monday nights I hold a Bible study. On Thursdays, I visit the sick in the hospital bringing them Holy Communion and praying for them. I am also involved in the parish bereavement committee.
In my visitation to the homebound, I am supported by wonderful parish volunteers who drive me from house to house. I am happy to be taking Jesus with me to share with those parishioners — alone, infirmed or in other difficulty — who no longer can come to church. I spend between 20-25 minutes with each of them taking time to listen to their problems and difficulties. I also share my insights and spiritual reflection while praying for and with them. It is really a graced time.
Each day, I wake up about 4:15 a.m. I spend the first hour of my day in private prayer in my room and in dedicating myself to Mary. In my consecration to Mary, I ask her guidance and to cover me with her mantle, to use my feet, my hands, my lips, my ears, my eyes, my whole being in the mission that is waiting for me. At 5:15 a.m., my religious sisters gather in the chapel for community prayer strengthening us together for the work ahead. By 3 p.m., wherever I am, I say the prayers of Divine Mercy. In the evening at 7 p.m., our community gathers again to close the day in thanksgiving, prayer and adoration.
Work can sometimes be tiring, but it is a joy to be engaged in. I have so much joy in my heart. With all the support of my congregation, sisters in community, pastors, parishioners and others, I feel my life has been enriched here in Hawaii. When I do feel exhausted, I keep myself united to the Lord, and just sing out loud: “Lord, you are so gracious to me. I love you because you first loved me.” Or I sing with St. Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”
I continuously praise and thank God, for I know God has called me for a purpose. I know wherever I go, God has a plan for me. There are so many people hungry for the Lord. The more I give, the more blessings I feel I receive to continue to keep on giving. To be able to take Jesus with me and feed them is so beautiful.
Sister Meristella Umdor is a Missionary Sister of Mary Help of Christians from Shillong, India. She arrived in Hawaii four years ago and is involved in a multitude of diverse ministries at St. Elizabeth Parish, Aiea. She is 34 years professed and resides with her religious community of four in Aiea.