VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Following 30 years of mission work in Latin America, my next stop was to Hawaii where I was expecting to assume a job in communications. However, that plan did not work out. Through the graciousness of Honolulu Bishop Joseph A. Ferrario, who was good friends with the Episcopal priest Father Claude DuTeill, it was arranged that I would work in social ministry. Father DuTeill had just founded the first homeless shelter in Hawaii, the Institute of Human Services.
I called up Father DuTeill saying that I wanted to see what his work was about before committing myself to it. He replied, “The best way to get to know about our work is to come down for lunch.” He then gave me the address.
On the day that I was to visit, I remember walking down the street not knowing where I was going. Fortunately, I caught sight of a man who kind of looked down and out, so I followed him. When we reached the place, the entrance was pitch dark. A dwarf-like fellow however, was in the doorway. I asked him, “Is Father DuTeill in?” The man replied, “Come right in” as he pushed me inside and into a line. Little did I know that it was the meal line. The volunteers there gave me a huge plate of food. I did not know what to do. As I looked around there were all kinds of sick people present. Some were on drugs, others smelled of alcohol, while others were just down and out.
Not knowing if I could sit down or not, I walked over to a woman seated at one of the tables. I asked her if I could sit next to her. She said, “You sit right down and make yourself at home.” I melted as I felt so welcomed. Immediately, I was sold on the place thus beginning my work there.
The first day at work, a fellow went berserk and started beating people. I was stuck in a corner. Soon after some men were able to stop him, I saw Father DuTeill running from the other side of the room yelling, “Where’s that nun? That nun? Is she all right?”
Working at the shelter was very inspiring as you could even see those down and out helping others sometimes equally sick or worse off than themselves. I felt this was the best place to be on a Good Friday, as you really could see not only a lot of suffering people, but a lot of people being Christ to each other. Really, if you look in the eyes of another, you will see the face of Christ in them.
Now I am involved in talking to children all over the world as a guest author on Skype. Through the Microsoft Educators Network of around a million and a half teachers, we try to help children become global citizens. Through the online venue I have visited 16 countries and 27 states. I have also met hundreds of children. One 11-year old from Belarus even asked me, “What is your hope for the world?”
To the people of Hawaii, I want to say, “Keep the aloha spirit.” Your kindness and gentleness I will never forget.
Sister Elizabeth V. Roach is a Maryknoll Sister originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is 90 years old and 72 years professed. During her ministry in Hawaii from 1983-1988, she wrote two columns for the Hawaii Catholic Herald, “Mustard Seed” and “O.U.R. Church.” Her most recent book, soon to be released, is, “From Friends to Saints: On How to Make Friends.” Sister resides at Maryknoll Sisters Center in Ossining, New York.
