Viriditas: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Since I was 8 years old, my family has always supported my decision to become a priest. My parents had six children, four boys and two girls of which I am the third. After my ordination, my bishop asked me, “Are you available to go to the mission fields?” I responded, “Yes, I will try to do my best.” When it came time to tell my family, they said, “It is your ministry, your vocation. Go.”
My first assignment in Hawaii was with Father Konelio (Lio) Faletoi on the Big Island. He was a very good mentor. I enjoyed my time working with him at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Kailua-Kona. He was very attentive to, and supportive of my being an international priest in so many ways. He would often ask me, “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” I really felt cared for in this new mission.
When Bishop Larry Silva assigned me to St. John the Baptist Parish in Kalihi, it was a big change. On the Big Island, I enjoyed the quiet, the mountains, being really close to nature. Here, I am in the city. Oahu is much more densely populated. With this new experience also came a more mixed parish community of locals, Hispanics, Filipinos, Chuukese, Samoans — and a school! Every day is an adventure.
I do enjoy sharing my faith with my parishioners. It sometimes can be challenging as diversity lends to different points of views, different ways of knowing and doing things. I try to listen to everyone. It is a gift to be able to listen well to understand the personality of the church being served. In this regard, I often pray:
“Lord, this is your work. Not mine. Please take it and do it.”
Yes, this is God’s work. In my vision to grow our welcoming community here at St. John the Baptist, relationships are important. There is always room to grow further beyond what we are accustomed to in order to see and appreciate the beauty in others beyond our cultural groups. There is so much strength to be tapped into. I am excited that our youth ministry is strong and continues to grow.
On a personal note, I do enjoy going to the gym and hiking. My best time hiking up the Koko Head trail is in 17 minutes. So, sometimes, I just go up and down twice.
Father Diego Alejandro Restrepo Serna is from the Diocese of Jerico, Columbia. He was ordained in November 2011. He came to Hawaii in 2015 to work at St. Michael Parish in Kona. He presently is administrator of St. John the Baptist Parish in Kalihi.
