VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Obedience. Prayer. Commitment. Fulfillment. These have characterized my life in ministry. Obedience takes first place in my life, as I only go to where I am assigned as a religious. In Hawaii alone, I served at Holy Cross School in Kalaheo, Kauai; at St. John the Baptist School in Kalihi; and at St. Elizabeth’s School in Aiea. Fulfillment comes as a product of what I am doing.
I never really had any difficulty in adjusting to a new place, whether it be in Hawaii or on the continental USA. As I was never assigned to ministry in the Philippines, I do not have any experience there to compare with my experiences in the field of education here. I taught for 16 years in Hawaii and was a principal for 34 years. There were challenges, but I feel fulfilled in my ministry. There was always the support of the sisters as well as of the administration. This was coupled with a lot of prayers.
When things get really tough, I turn to quiet prayer. This type of prayer can enlighten the mind, enlighten the heart. Quiet prayer is talking to God in your heart and listening. Listening is very important. I like to go to the chapel when nobody else is there just to be alone with God. But quiet prayer can be done anywhere — in my room, when I am out walking, or even while driving.
Sometimes I use music, such as instrumental music to inspire. Other times, I might read certain passages from Scripture. I really like the reflections in the books of author Sister Joyce Rupp, O.S.M. I also like to read from the writings of St. Catherine of Siena. But sometimes her writing is too difficult for me to understand. When that happens, I stop reading and just focus on one word from the passage read. I then contemplate on that one word.
Contemplation and meditation are very important to me in discerning what I do.
Where do I find time for quiet prayer? There is time in the evening, before I go to sleep. There is also time during daily meditation. But I especially like praying early in the morning. I wake up at 4 a.m., an hour before the community prays together at 5 a.m.
To the people of Hawaii, although I have been away awhile, continue your aloha spirit. I like the meaning of the word aloha as “love” and “welcome.” Continue to be welcoming. Continue to love your neighbor. And continue to love this beautiful earth, these beautiful islands of Hawaii.
Sister M. Leonarda Montealto is a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines. She is the sixth of eight children in her family, which included a priest, Father Socrates Montealto who died last year. She is 56 years professed. Her next ministry is as facility manager of Arch Memory Care in Houston, Texas, a facility for 16 residents.