VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I never foresaw that when I became a religious that I would be sent to so many places to serve in so many varied capacities. From the Philippines I was missioned to Hawaii and Saipan, returning back to the Philippines. In September, I will be leaving our motherhouse for parish work in Tuscany, Italy. At this age of my life, being assigned to another mission is exciting. As Pope Francis encourages us all to spread the joy of the Gospel, I feel it is my vocation as a Dominican sister to spread the Good News.
The most difficult experience of being missioned occurred during my first assignment in Hawaii. I was only a temporary professed religious then, like a baby needing to learn many things. I remember when we had visitors at the convent and it was my cooking day, I used to cry. But there was angel sister whom I would ask to help me, and she would prepare such delicious meals.
The culture and the way of speaking the English language were new to me. It was hard to teach in the classroom. But after the first year, initial challenges were overcome, and by the third year, I felt at home.
I really loved teaching in the first and second grades. Preparing children for their First Holy Communion was my greatest joy. It was such a privilege to see the children grow in their love and encounter with Jesus. It was fun also to accompany the children to their sports games, to support and cheer them on. Watching the students grow from their first days of learning to read and write into professionals years later, is priceless.
After 11 years in Hawaii (1975-1986), I did not want to leave. I really liked the people, especially those on Kauai where I served the majority of my mission. I even made my final religious profession at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. But God had God’s plans and 11 of my companions and I needed to leave the country due to a visa problem.
In Saipan, I looked forward to Sundays after teaching during the week, because after the Mass, we would go around the island and visit the sick and homebound. In the Philippines I served as a teacher, school administrator and formator of young religious. One year, I had 26 postulants under my direction providing classes for them from the morning to the evening. I told Mother General, “I want to quit.” But, she kept saying that she could not find a replacement for me and to “Wait a while.” Each while was followed by another until several years passed.
In everything I always said, “Lord, I am trying my best.” It is not my work, but his; not my mission, but God’s. Now, I have three students who became Dominican seminarians and one student who became a Dominican sister.
As I go forth to my new mission in Tuscany, three of my companion religious were my former novices, one of whom will be my superior in the convent. It is a humbling experience. God has his own ways. We continue to try our best to serve the people.
Sister Dorothea Pamplona is a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines, 49 years professed. From 1975-1986, she served at Holy Cross School in Kalaheo, Kauai, St. Elizabeth School in Aiea and at St. Catherine School in Kapaa. She resides at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Molo, Iloilo City, in the Philippines.