VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
By the grace of God, I am simply happy to live each day. When I made my first profession, I told myself, “I offer my life to God in thanksgiving for everything He has done for me.” I cannot remember where I had read that line. Maybe it was from a book, or from the writings of Saint Agnes of Montepulciano studied during my novitiate days. In whatever manner I came across it, I was so impressed by it. Of course, I did not foresee all the trials that were upcoming in life, but I always held on. Gratitude.
When trials come, I do storm heaven with prayers even when it feels like the prayers have no meaning, are empty. Aside from sharing my trials with Jesus, I find it helpful for me to share them, unload with the sisters and certain others. For example, during the first death I experienced, the death of my brother, I really needed help. My brother was shot and left dead by the roadside. I needed to stand strong and as one with faith for my family. I did not know what to do, or how to pull through.
Earlier, I had befriended a Jesuit priest, Father Thomas Green, an author of several books on prayer. He was invited one year to preach at the sisters’ annual retreat. I wanted to keep in touch with him, so I tried mailing him a letter with the hope that he would respond. He did, and we became friends through correspondence. Father Green was one of those that God sent to rescue me. Truly, it is the grace of God revealed through others that consistently keeps me grateful.
In my present work, I am in charge of the faith formation program at Holy Angels Parish (in California). I am always excited about the work. Compared to students from Catholic schools who have regular religion classes, I can really feel the hunger of the public school students and their parents to know about the faith. Although parents are the first teachers of their children, some do not know how to make the sign of the cross.
So I started programs giving workshops and seminars to parents. When they thank me, I tell them to thank the Lord who has inspired me. It is so rewarding to hear parents say, “Thank you so much, my son now leads the prayer at meals.” Or, “My child asked me to go to church on Sunday because he/she has received First Communion.” These graces are more than anyone could ever ask for. I always have teary eyes at First Communion or Confirmation. I thank God for making me an instrument for their faith.
However, as challenges continue, some catechists have complained, “It is almost one year and the students cannot memorize the Our Father.” I always tell them, “Just continue to work with them.” As the director of the Office of Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of San Francisco said, “Just introduce Jesus to them.” Students might not be able to memorize the Our Father because no one at home is praying. But, if they have a relationship with Jesus, they know how to pray. Keep praying for them; they will remember.
Sister Ma. Delia Obenza is a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary. She is the youngest of three in her family from Davao City. She is 33 years professed. During her four years in Hawaii, she served at St. Elizabeth School in Aiea and at St. John the Baptist School in Kalihi. She is presently assigned to Holy Angels Church in Colma, California, where she is director of the religious education program.
