VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
It is the love I have for Jesus Christ that is the reason why I am here. This love begins in the family. From the moment I was born until I was all grown up, I really experienced the love and care of my parents. They raised my siblings and me to be prayerful, going to Mass at least every Sunday. Seeing the witness of my parents, grandparents and relatives in their love for God, probably started my vocation. I desire to share this love with the community and others.
One of the things I have learned in coming to Hawaii is how to be independent. In the Philippines, priests are spoiled. We have workers on our left and right to do things for us. When I first arrived at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish in Kula, Maui, I was a bit scared. It was hard at the beginning staying alone in the rectory and doing all the chores like cooking, washing and cleaning by myself. “Oh! My goodness!” I exclaimed. This was part of the life of being a missionary priest that I needed to accept. In accepting assignments with generosity in one’s heart, adjustments come easier. Over time, I became more independent with myself and this I wish to carry with me when I return to the Philippines.
I enjoyed my three months in Kula with its missions. Bishop Larry had assigned me there until the administrator who was going to take over the place, La Salette Father Adondee Arellano, arrived after his vacation. After that, I moved to St. Joseph Parish in Makawao where I was the parochial vicar for two years. St. Joseph’s Feast ran for three days, one day longer than that of the Feast of the Holy Ghost. Then, Bishop Larry asked me if I could go to St. Mary Parish in Hana with its missions where I spent another two years. I have good memories of ministering on Maui.
The missionary spirit was instilled in me by the SVD (Divine Word Missionaries). In my younger years, I saw their sacrifice and how they offered themselves to the community they were serving. Being foreigners, they adjusted themselves immersing themselves into the life of our place. The spirit of mission is that when you go to another place, you need to live as others live to be an effective pastor. When I was in Hana, I hiked, played tennis on my day off, and there were times the community even invited me for fishing. So I joined them in their way of life.
I would like to thank Bishop Larry for giving me this opportunity to serve, for his confidence and support. I would also like to thank my brother priests for their support. I felt the brotherhood with the clergy here, especially during our retreat and convocation. There was a feeling of unity and joy when we gathered together to share our experiences. Last, I would like to thank the people of Hawaii, especially those I had the opportunity to serve. Thank you for your love, support and generosity. I was prayerful before, but with your support and joining in of the many spiritual activities held, I feel my prayer life has increased. Hopefully, I can come and visit again, this beautiful place with beautiful people.
Father Drexel Ramos is a diocesan priest from the Diocese of Bangued, Philippines. He is 16 years ordained. He is the eldest of two brothers and a sister. He will return to his home diocese in January.
