Father Alapaki Kim (HCH File Photo)
MACKEY MARIANIST LECTURE
The Father Mackey Marianist Lectures: Catholicism in Prophetic Dialogue series enters its 25th anniversary year with a new format appropriate to the time of a pandemic — a Zoom meeting recorded for public viewing later on the internet. The topic is racism in Hawaii. The presenter is native Hawaiian diocesan priest Father Alapaki Kim.
Father Kim will conduct a Zoom virtual meeting for several participants who will pose questions in a Q&A session after his presentation.
A recording of the session will then premier on the Marianist Center of Hawaii’s YouTube channel on Sunday, Oct. 11, allowing more people to hear the presentation at a time convenient to them.
Father Kim (or “Father Paki” as he is affectionately known) specializes in studying the history and needs of the Native Hawaiian community.
As pastor of St. Rita, a parish sitting on Hawaiian Homelands in Nanakuli, he integrates into his liturgies and his expression of faith the wisdom and practices of his native Hawaiian spirituality and culture. As a Hawaiian language speaker, he can grasp the profound depths of everything Hawaiian.
In this election year, racism has taken center stage as a major issue. We have seen, on the Mainland and here, protests against racial inequality. For those born on this land and those who have lived here for many years, it is well known that Hawaii is very different from the Mainland. It follows, therefore, that Hawaii has its unique form of racism and racist practices.
Father Kim will explore racism in Hawaii and its roots. He will also offer ways that we, as people of faith, can respond.
The presentation is sponsored by the Marianist Center of Hawaii, Chaminade University of Honolulu and Saint Louis School.