Basic Christian Community members gather for a group photo at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Kalihi. (Photo courtesy of the Basic Christian Community)
Special to the Herald
Hawaii’s Basic Christian Community kicked off its annual retreat on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Benedictine Monastery in Waialua. It was truly a day of exuberance and excitement as more than 140 people traveled to this mountaintop giving praise and honor to their Lord, Jesus Christ.
This year’s theme, “Fully Alive in the Spirit,” reverberated throughout the conference as Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish musicians, directed by Mason and Teo Matsuda, came out in full force to pump up the volume of songs of praise and worship. Msgr. Gary Secor and Sacred Hearts Father William Petrie celebrated Mass accompanied by the Benedictines, Father Dave Barfknecht and Father Michael Sawyer.
Masters of ceremonies Chaz and Kamalani Ontai kept the program on time and on target. Guest speaker Father Petrie shared his plethora of experiences working with Mother Teresa of Calcutta for 25 years. He revealed Mother Teresa’s daily modus operandi: her every action was in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Mother Teresa’s source of strength was receiving the Eucharist every day, without exception, and spending one hour in adoration in front of the tabernacle before beginning a day of service and evangelization. Father Petrie’s message was, “As we look up to the skies and see the vast universe with all its galaxies and stars, there is no limit in deepening our faith and love for Christ.”
Benedictine Sister Mary Jo McEnany and Msgr. Secor, advisors and spiritual directors of BCC, shared words of wisdom: “We’re on our way! We are pilgrims journeying together on The Way, walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.”
The annual retreat serves two purposes. One is to say “thank you” to all volunteers and members who throughout the year give of their time, talents and treasures. Members, under the guidance of the Benedictines of Hawaii, spearhead five retreats a year, for adults, young adults and youth, at St. Anthony Retreat Center. Members form “cell groups” that meet weekly at someone’s home to support and pray for one another. BCC members are extensions to their parishes; volunteering as lectors, musicians, eucharistic ministers, and wherever there is a need.
The second purpose is to be re-energized and to rekindle friendships with the Benedictine monks and sisters, other BCC members, Benedictine oblates, and to meet new friends and families. As Benedictine Father Sawyer said, “Although the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives, we still need to spend time together with other disciples to remind us that each of us has been given unique gifts that are needed for the functioning of the Body of Christ.”
All good things must come to an end. Retreatants enjoyed a continental breakfast, the scrumptious lunch of Mexican and local food. The day concluded with a silent auction. For more information about Basic Christian Community, contact Sister Mary Jo McEnany at the Benedictine Monastery 637-7887, monastery@hawaiibenedictines.org.
