Deacon Stephen Maglente at the ambo durinig the 2018 Easter Vigil Mass at St. Anthony Church, Wailuku. (Courtesy photo)
By Lori Cabacungan
Special to the Herald
Deacon Stephen Maglente has given a lot to his parish of St. Anthony in Wailuku, Maui, over the years. He and his wife Momi have been busy members ever since they took on the baptism preparation class three decades ago. They were also very active on the team of presenters for the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekends. It was at St. Anthony that they raised their family of four — Shannon, Diren, Laurene and Joy.
Nearly 20 years ago, after four years of preparation in the diocese’s permanent diaconate program, Stephen was ordained a deacon on July 13, 2001, by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo and commissioned by St. Anthony pastors, Marianist Father Raymond Malley and Marianist Father Charles Oyabu, to serve as deacon here.
For 19 years Stephen has always made himself available for baptisms, car blessings, house blessings, counseling and marriage preparation. He has prepared for and preached at the Masses, assisted our priests at the altar, and prayed with people in need of spiritual guidance. Stephen served as a spiritual director for the St. Anthony Prayer Group and many times gave lessons to enhance their understanding of our faith.
None of these ministerial works was done alone. In the diaconate formation program, he was always accompanied by his wife Momi, she too preparing for the ministry that he was undertaking. She stood by his side in ministry and in serving our parish and community.
For 19 years St. Anthony’s has been blessed with the gentle spirit, compassionate service and life-giving work that both Deacon Stephen and Momi Maglente have shared with our faith community.
Last month, Deacon Stephen retired from his ministry. We wish him all the best as he journeys through the next chapter in his life.
Thank you, Stephen, for your years of service. We appreciate all you have done and will continue to do for the Lord.
Blessings to you and your family.
Lori Cabacungan is the secretary for St. Anthony Parish in Wailuku.
