Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities sit at a “sisters-only” table at Our Lady of Good Counsel’s 60th anniversary luau Sept. 1. The Franciscan Sisters used to staff the parish school. (Photo courtesy of Arlene Bali)
By Naomi Amuro
Special to the Herald
Aug. 26 through Sept. 1 marked an epic seven days for Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Pearl City — six days of spiritual renewal followed by a 60th anniversary luau attended by more than 700 people!
The spiritual renewal came courtesy of six special speakers: Ed and Betty Coda (Lay Leadership Workshop), Dominic Olaso (Becoming the Best Witness to Christ in Today’s World), Sacred Hearts Father Richard McNally (Growing in Spirituality), Sacred Hearts Sister Katherine Francis Miller (Reflections Reaching the Poor), Dallas Carter Jr. (Finding Our Calling) and Melissa Pavlicek (Am I a Good Steward?).
The Codas reminded us that “the spirituality of ministry is to be a light to the world, to be filled with Catholic joy!”
Olaso emphasized the importance for us to refuel, have “alone” time, participate in a faith-sharing community, and attend retreats and conferences. “Nemo dat quod non habet” (You can’t give what you don’t have), which means we must take care of ourselves and our spiritual well-being and surrender to the Holy Spirit.
Father McNally reassured us that we can’t measure spiritual growth. We may realize it in hindsight but know that the Lord is changing us over time. Jesus emptied himself to the point of death on the cross which was the greatest act of love ever. We become a part of that great sacrifice with the Mass.
Sister Miller said we are sharing God’s love through the relationships we have with one another. She talked about St. Damien, a great builder who also focused on the conversion of hearts. She shared some of St. Damien’s letters, which were poignant and informative. In one, St. Damien to his brother Pamphile wrote, “As for me, I make myself a leper with the lepers, to gain all for Jesus Christ.”
Carter said sometimes we don’t see what God wants us to do. When we focus on God, when God is at the center of our lives, everything else falls into place because we put our trust in him. We may never see the fruit of our actions but even those everyday things — by our example — may one day inspire someone else.
Pavlicek explained that love is a noun and a verb; stewardship is a verb. As a demonstration that even things that seem impossible are possible, she taught participants to recite the alphabet backwards and many learned it in less than five minutes! Choice is the most powerful tool we have and we have the power within us to make a change. We are disciples as stewards, mature disciples making a conscious decision to follow Jesus no matter the cost. We are stewards of creation, of vocation, and of the church.
Msgr. Gary Secor presided at the 4 p.m. Mass Sept. 1 concelebrated with our pastor Sacred Hearts Father Santhosh Thottankara, parochial vicar Sacred Hearts Father Joseph Pasala, Msgr. Terrence Watanabe, Father Pascual Abaya IV and Father Paul Li. Assisting were Deacon Ray Lamb and Deacon Tom Miyashiro.
In his homily, Msgr. Secor said that “for 60 years or more, this community has been here as a faith community and has supported the Lord, loved the Lord and supported the church and school in so many ways.”
On behalf of Bishop Larry Silva and the Diocese of Honolulu, he thanked the parish. “You all are blessing to our diocese and have been a great blessing to many,” he said. “The heart of any anniversary celebration such as this is the recognition that we humbly stand on the shoulders of many, many people.”
The luau was the culmination of a year-long celebration. A beautiful setting was created on the parish school campus under two large clear tents. A delicious Hawaiian meal was served and all enjoyed fellowship with old and new friends and former parish priests including Father Paulo Kosaka and Father Alfred Omar Guerrero, and former parish school principals including Sister William Marie Eleniki.
Musicians and hula dancers performed.
A heartfelt thanks to Tyra Lamb and Deacon Ray Lamb for spearheading both events, to the office staff and innumerable volunteers who worked tirelessly over the course of an entire year and to all the dedicated people who coordinated the luau with all the logistics, parking issues, food and decorations.
Thanks also to the Youth and Young Adult Ministry for serving the food and drink and for helping seat our kupuna in their special place. Thanks to the Filipino Ministry for creating more than 100 beautiful centerpieces with all the tropical foliage graciously donated by parishioners.
Most importantly, mahalo to all who attended. Your presence made this a grand celebration indeed. Here’s to another 60 years and more!
