VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Life is always challenging. It is never easy or perfect. Even in the life of Jesus, from the time he was in Mary’s womb, to his being an immigrant and unto the cross, there were hardships. Somehow, in my imagination, I thought that, when I entered religious life, there would be no conflicts and that everyone would be holy. But we are still human. Although we have come from all over the world to live together in the same house, each of us has our different way of understanding and doing things.
I am not a stranger to adapting, however. I come from a big family of 10. Even in my family, we are different. Growing up, all were Protestant; only I became a Catholic and entered religious life. Even though we are of the same blood, there were hardships of faith. My father said that it did not matter that I became Catholic as we worshipped the same God. My siblings, however, differed in opinion and often had questions for me. I needed to prepare myself for whatever they might ask or challenge me on. Although Indonesia is majorly a Muslim country, sometimes I felt more connected to my Muslim friends in being able to talk about Mary, than with my family.
How did I become a Catholic? As a young child, I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle to attend school. Across from their house was the parish church. Although they were Catholics, they did not go to church. It was in school, where I was taught by religious sisters and in attending the monthly school Mass, that I was touched deeply by the sisters and the solitude of the church. The church was so reverently quiet at times that one could hear a pin drop between everyone standing up and sitting down. I felt I could hear God really speaking to me.
In my culture, women are expected to get married. Although I did become Catholic, the announcement of my entering the convent was a big blow to my parents. My father said, “Where will you be buried when you die?” I responded, “Do not worry.” That is a part of the journey of Jesus unto the cross. I don’t know when the resurrection will happen. However, my father converted later and came to my final profession.
Coming to Hawaii and being in a different culture has had its own challenges. There are three difficulties I face. The first is the language. English is my third language, following my mother tongue and national language. Second, my congregation sent me to study business administration. Although I had some experience as the treasurer in the community, the field of corporate business entails a different vocabulary. Third, being in the United States, everything is new — the politics, government relations, the various names we hear in class.
When the U. S. Immigration asked me: “Why do you think your congregation picked you up to be sent to the United States to study?” I could only think, “To have an international experience.” As a true missionary centered in the Eucharist, close to Mother Mary and inspired by the risks our foundress took in a good way, it seems that God has all along, just picked me up.
Sister Romeka is a Sister of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. She arrived in Hawaii in May 2017. She is 14 years professed and is pursuing her master’s of business administration at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She resides at Regina Pacis Convent in Kaimuki.
