VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Wherever I am, I am well-adjusted. The secret is to just do your work for the love of God. Offer everything you do with love and dedication. I joined religious life for my personal sanctification. I want to go to heaven.
I first arrived in Hawaii in 1974. Of all the sisters in the Hawaii region, I may be the only one who was assigned to all the schools we minister in except for one. From Maui, I was sent to Kauai, and then to Africa. From Africa, I returned to Oahu, and then moved on to teach in San Francisco. This is my second time back at St. Elizabeth School. The only school I have not been assigned to is Rosary Preschool in Waipio Gentry.
My love of teaching came from my mother. She was a teacher. While in Kenya, Africa, as the religious education advisor in the diocese and in the district, I taught teachers of all faiths how to effectively teach religion, as religion is a required subject for all students there. I gave quarterly workshops and seminars in all the districts. Through prayer, the work was effective.
However, I did not go having knowledge of the social concerns of the Kenyan mission and how to address them properly. There were a few resources, pamphlets that I had accrued from St. Elizabeth Parish before I left that addressed subjects such as morality, sexuality, marriage, sacraments, etc. But it was my later going to the library to do research that gave fruit to little picture guides that I would draw as I took notes. These became effective means to communicate the messages I wanted to convey. The Holy Spirit really helped me.
Before going to Africa, I was about to graduate with a degree in administration. The general superior did not know that I only had one more course to go. But I didn’t say anything. She assigned me. Obedience. When she found out about it later, she asked me, “Why did you not say anything? I want you to look into seeing if the University of San Francisco is still offering the subject.” She wanted me to complete it.
But for me, you can go to heaven without the title. We were short of money in Africa. To fly back to the United States to take one course, it would be very hard. So, I continued there for five years teaching.
I enjoy teaching. Even if I am tired, I still need to do the work. With God’s help I’m still effective. With God’s help I can do everything.
Sister M. Esther Pagdato is a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines. She is from Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, Philippines and is the youngest of five in her family. Of her 53 years of religious profession, she spent 50 years teaching. She continues her ministry of education at St. Elizabeth School in Aiea.
