VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I have learned a lot during my stay in Hawaii. Coming from Africa, where the church is completely different from here, has given me newer insights into the Catholic faith.
The Catholic Church in Africa is a very youthful one, composed of dedicated young leaders. We are also a very ethnically diverse church. However, we have a rich cultural heritage that keeps us united. The church in Hawaii is also a multi-ethnic church. Regarding its membership, I have observed that it is the elderly who are the really committed Catholics. And even though we talk about stewardship at home, it is not as organized as the program is here. I will definitely take the knowledge and experience I have gained on implementing stewardship more fully back home.
Witnessing to the prayerfulness and devotion of elderly Catholics in the church has challenged me in my own prayer life and dedication. Tied into this, one can really see here in Hawaii how the people love their priest. They show their love and concern. This keeps me going. If someone were to ask, “Why are you a priest?” I would simply reply, “Because of the people.” Serving a people who love you is like serving God who loves you.
Strengthened by the people in my pastoral work, there is one adjustment that I really needed to make however in my way of culturally doing things. In Africa, people freely associate with each other. Families live together. There are open-doors among all. In Hawaii, I learned that you cannot just visit parishioners without calling first. And even after calling, some might say, “I’m not ready to receive you.”
This is not a church issue, but a difference in society. Here, there might be many in one household, yet, all are individualistic. What can one take away from that? Yes, it has its advantages. There may be more time for one to be oneself. Or, as a Catholic, to have more time for God and oneself. But, sometimes there is the living together, and yet apart, which breaks down the spirit of family or intentionally coming together. Although we are all Godly people, as human beings, wherever we are, we need to be open to adjust and to see how we are helping our little communities.
As a priest, I often reflect on “What kind of example am I giving to others?” and “How can I in my own little way help the community?”
As I go forth, I am grateful for the six years and five months that I had to minister here. The first pastor I worked with, Father Khanh Hoang at St. Jude Church in Kapolei, really made me feel welcome and at home. (I still consider St. Jude my home.) To the people of Hawaii, I would like to say, “Hold fast to your faith. In challenging situations, frustrations, etc., hold fast to your faith.” And, “God loves you. Know that.”
Father Joseph Anamoo Ayinpuusa was born in Ghana, West Africa. He is the second of 10 children (six boys and four girls). Four days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he was ordained a priest. He came to Hawaii in 2015 and served as parochial vicar at St. Jude Church in Kapolei, St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church in Mililani and five months at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ewa Beach. He returned to his Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, Ghana, on Dec. 16, 2020.
