Celebrating lives of discipleship
Twenty-two religious women and men and priests celebrating milestones in ministry were honored by the Diocese of Honolulu at the annual jubilarian Mass on the morning of April 23 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu.
Bishop Larry Silva presided over the ceremonies for those celebrating 25-, 50-, 60-, 70- and 75-year anniversaries.
Two island-born sisters commemorated 75 years of profession: Sister Frances Cabrini Morishige, a Sister of St. Francis of the Neuman Communities, and Maryknoll Sister Cecilia Rose Santos, who died on March 18.
The Mass, just six days after Easter, embraced the resurrection theme. Easter lilies decorated the sanctuary. Hymns resonated with “Alleluias.”
“We are called to witness to Jesus’ resurrection,” the bishop said in his homily. “He is with us today physically in the Eucharist; what we eat we become.”
Toward the end of Mass, jubilarians were called up one-by-one to the sanctuary where the bishop presented each with a framed certificate from the diocese and a framed written profile prepared by retired diocesan priest Father Victor Lanuevo.
The church was about half filled with friends, parishioners and fellow religious of those honored. A good percentage wore face masks despite the relaxing of that pandemic requirement.
75: profession
Sister Frances Cabrini Morishige, OSF
Born: 1924, Honolulu
Community: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Years of service in Hawaii: 61 years
Past ministries: In Hawaii: In Honolulu, St. Francis Hospital, Franciscan Adult Care Center, St. Francis School and St. Francis Convent; in Kalaupapa, Bishop Home, St. Elizabeth Convent and St. Francis Parish; in Lihue, Kauai, St. Francis School and Immaculate Conception Parish. In New York, St. Joseph Hospital and St. Anthony Motherhouse, Syracuse; St. Elizabeth Hospital, Utica.
Present ministry: Prayer ministry and community support ministry
Reflection: My life as a Franciscan sister began one day as I was entering St. Francis Hospital in Liliha as a nursing student. I noticed a sign above the doorway. It read, “Caritas Christi urget nos.” Out of curiosity, I asked Sister Jolenta Wilson, the hospital administrator at the time, what those words meant. She answered, “The love of Christ compels us.” I asked myself, “Compels us to do what?” My curiosity and my personal search for an answer to that question led to my conversion, my vocation, and my life as a Sister of St. Francis.
I thank God for my parents, family, friends, and especially the Sisters of St. Francis who continue to journey with me as my spiritual companions. I have cherished memories of my ministries as a nurse, teacher, parish minister, community supporter, prayer partner and volunteer.
75: profession
Sister Cecilia Rose Santos, MM
Born: 1929, Makawao, Maui
Died: March 18, 2022, Maryknoll, New York
Past ministries: Teaching assignments at St. Anthony School in Kalihi, St. Michael School in Waialua, St. Anthony School in Wailuku and St. Augustine School in Waikiki. Missionary to Chile where she worked in a variety of ministries over the course of 50 years. Retired in Hawaii, she volunteered at the St. Pius X Parish food pantry in Manoa where she made sandwiches, cooked breakfast, prepared bags of food and sorted used clothing.
Reflection: (From a Hawaii Catholic Herald interview six years ago.) We lived on a cattle ranch, Grove Ranch, in Makawao. I was a professional horseback rider, bicycle rider, runner and everything you could think of. I was always climbing trees and making my mother worry. I was a real tomboy. As the youngest, I feel I missed a whole lot as my elder siblings kept leaving home as they grew up.
I didn’t want anyone to know I wanted to become a nun. Somehow, though, they knew and would tease me. I would get very angry and say, “I’m not going to become a nun.”
I thank my parents and family for supporting my desire to be a missionary, and the Maryknoll Sisters who first taught me and continue to be my inspiration.
My assignment to Chile was a surprise and a great joy. I would like to thank those in Chile who taught me so much during my many years working among them. We missionaries used to think that we are being sent to serve, but I have found that the people do more for me than I do for them.
70: profession
Sister Damien Therese Dang, SS.CC.
Born: 1932, Molokai
Community: Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Past ministries: teacher at Sacred Hearts Academy 1952-1955; teacher at Sacred Hearts Convent 1955-1963; principal of Sacred Hearts Convent 1963-1978 and superior at Sacred Hearts Convent 1975-1978 and 1984-1985; formation directress 1979-1986; superior of Regina Pacis Community 1979-1984; mission work in the Philippines1987; superior of the Artesia, New Mexico, community 2002-2013
Reflection: Sister Damien Therese has said that she is proud and happy that two of her novices have become persons of great responsibility, one a superior delegate for the zone of Pacific-USA-Asia and the other superior general of the congregation. Deo gratias!
70: profession
Sister Angela Gregorio, SS.CC.
Born: 1932 Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
Community: Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Past ministries: religion teacher in kindergarten and grades one, three and four; music in all elementary grades; private piano lessons; private violin lessons; organist in parishes
Present ministry: retired organist /pianist for the community and assisting in community projects
Reflection: To be part of the children’s growth in loving Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the saints and our heavenly Father is truly a wonderful gift.
These are some memories that make me smile:
After a square dancing lesson during Music class, a voice exclaimed, “Sister this is my best music class ever!”
“I see trees of green…” these words filled the auditorium as about 40 students sang with feeling, thanking God for the lovely world he has given us! “… what a wonderful world”
This last incident happened recently when some Girl Scouts toured the mosaics at Malia O Ka Malu depicting the history of the arrival of our Sisters in Hawaii in 1859. The Sisters were in white habits and since I was in my white habit, they turned to me and asked: “Sister, were you on that ship too?” I laughed and said, “Oh no, I wasn’t born yet!”
70: profession
Sister Eleanor Killion, MM
Born: 1933, Easton, Minnesota
Community: Maryknoll Sisters
Year arrived in Hawaii: 1997
Years of service here: 24
Past ministries: elementary school teacher, elementary school administration, pastoral ministry, religious education, congregational service
Present ministry: presence with the Hispanic community of St. John the Baptist Parish; office assistant for Maryknoll Sisters region
Reflection: I grew up on a Minnesota farm. From early on, my faith was nurtured by my very Catholic parents and by my teachers, the Franciscan Sisters and the School Sisters of Notre Dame, in the Catholic schools I attended. In high school, my interest in and attraction to the missions grew and was cultivated by my teachers in this mission-minded school of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
So I entered the Maryknoll Sisters and, after formation and studies, happily left for my first mission assignment, the Bolivia/Peru Region, and later, a few years in Panama. There followed many years of sharing with people of those regions: ministries of education, accompaniment, being with them in their joys and sorrows, and learning from them, too, especially their trust in God and ability to enjoy small things even in their poverty. And so, even though I thought I was giving, at the same time I was receiving.
My faith has grown through sharing life with many people of different cultures. I thank God for blessing me with those nearly 30 years in Latin America. So then after doing congregational service at our community headquarters came another wonderful assignment: Hawaii! I have had some 20 happy years with the Hispanic community at St. John the Baptist doing religious education with children and families. I have so much to be grateful for as I celebrate my 70th jubilee as a Maryknoll Sister.
70; profession
Sister Catherine (Roselani) Ornellas, BVM
Born: 1932, Kapaa, Kauai
Community: Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM)
Past ministries: teacher for grades three to six in Montana, California, Nebraska, Arizona and at St. Catherine Elementary School in Kealia, Kauai
Present ministries: Member of the BVM Hunger Fund Committee and is retired to Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.
Reflection: I enjoyed most of my missions. In each, there were ups and downs, but the ups overrode the downs … and God was always there. To be a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a privilege, a blessing and a gift. It is an honor, for me, to be able to call these great women, living and dead, Sister.
70: profession
Brother Thomas Spring, SM
Born: 1933, Honolulu
Community: Society of Mary (Marianists)
Years served in Hawaii: 1955-1961, 1969-1971 and 1992-2021
Past ministries: high school teacher in Wailuku and Honolulu 1955-1958; university instructor in Honolulu 1960-1961; high school teacher in Mineola, New York, 1965-1966; university instructor 1969-1971 and scholastics master 1970-1971 in Honolulu; alumni relations in Cupertino, California 1971-1973; high school teacher in San Jose, California 1973-1975; high school principal in Gardena, California 1975-1976; high school teacher in San Francisco 1976-1981; high school admissions director, teacher and campus minister in San Jose 1981-1985; parish music ministry in San Jose 1985-1992; university instructor and learning service program coordinator in Honolulu 1992-2006 ; university volunteer for various services in Honolulu 2006-2017; community bookkeeper and parish volunteer on Maui 2017-2021
Present ministries: Retired and assisting in caring for infirm /elderly brothers at the Cupertino Marianist Community, providing transportation to medical appointments and writing thank-you notes to Marianist Mission donors
Reflection: Being a Marianist (and a Catholic) has filled my life with joy, which is why I am basically and generally a happy person. I find support and encouragement in pursuing our Marianist values and goals among my Marianist brothers whose common consecration to God, in the name of Mary, gives rich meaning to our community life and our shared mission of bringing Jesus to our world. What more could I desire?!
60: profession
Father Roland Bunda, SM
Born: 1942, Waialua, Oahu
Community: Society of Mary (Marianists
Ordination: 1978, San Jose, California
Years served in Hawaii: 1979-1988 and 2007-2021
Past ministries: high school teacher in San Jose, California, 1966-1975; high school teacher, campus minister and principal in Honolulu 1979-1988; high school teacher and campus minister, and community director in Gardena, California, 1988-1993; assistant novice master in Dayton, Ohio, 1993-1996; Newman Center director in Santa Cruz, California, 1996-2006; pastor in Wailuku 2007-2021; priest-in-residence in Los Angeles 2021-2022
Present ministries: On sabbatical in San Antonio, Texas, through early May; beginning May 7, 2022, priest-in-residence at Marianist communities in Los Angeles and Cupertino, California
Reflection: I am grateful and thankful for family and friends in Hawaii and California who have supported and loved me in my life throughout my 60 years as a Marianist brother and priest. After 20 years on the mainland, I treasured the opportunity to come back to Hawaii to share my religious life with my Marianist brothers, family and friends through laughter and stories of our Hawaiian heritage, Filipino culture and American traditions.
I continue to pray to God and our Blessed Mother Mary for the grace to remain faithful and loyal to my Marianist vocation.
60: profession
Sister Brenda Lau, CSJ
Born: 1943, Honolulu
Community: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Past ministries: Teacher for one year at St. Joseph School in Waipahu and three years at St. Theresa School, Honolulu; six years as principal at Holy Trinity School, Kuliouou; two years as novice director for the CSJs Hawaii; eight years as associate superintendent for Catholic Schools in Hawaii; four years in St. Louis, Missouri, for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as a general councilor; three years in parish office ministry at St. John the Baptist Parish, Honolulu, and three years at St. Philomena/Holy Family Parishes in Honolulu; two years for Child and Family Service Domestic Violence Shelter; nine years in vice provincial leadership; six years in the Executive Office on Aging in the SHIP Medicare Counseling Program under the Department of Health State of Hawaii
Present ministry: Appointed as the Hawaii coordinator for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Hawaii when Hawaii amalgamated with the California CSJs in 2017
Reflection: I believe I was incarnated in my vocation at the age of 7. I remember a special insight, though not understood then, of being called to something. This call was nurtured by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet where I attended elementary school for nine years. The Sisters of St. Joseph, the Sacred Hearts Sisters and the parish priest continued to nurture the joy, love and service of “neighbor without distinction” in a “unioning love” as expressed through our charism, throughout my high school years.
Among the highlights experienced serving in my ministries, are the students, parents, parishioners, other religious order sisters, clergy and friends and acquaintances who have touched and enriched my life, because we were in relationship with each other. In addition, through my various volunteer ministries, I have grown and been blessed because of the caring and support through the many ways members of committees, youth groups, marriage groups, diocesan groups and clergy have shared their vocations and life with me. Special also is witnessing and sharing with the many individuals, who also give of themselves to those in need, especially our Associates, known as ‘Ohana.
Lastly, a joy for me is the love and support I receive, from my soon-to-be 101-year-old mother, who never stops praying for and with me. In gratitude, I hold each and every one, who shared their lives with me, in prayer and spiritual loving union. To our loving creator who called me at a very young age, I say mahalo nui loa.
60: profession
Sister Angela Laurenzo, CSJ
Born: 1942, Geneva, New York
Community: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Year arrived in Hawaii: 1991
Past ministries: taught school in grades kindergarten, two, four and six in New York state; taught in a school for children with cerebral palsy and worked in a center for disabled children; summer school for Native American and inner-city kids; director of religious education and prison ministry
Present ministries: Faith formation, religious education, RCIA at Christ the King Parish, Kahului, Maui
Reflection: I grew up in an Italian family of faith and love. I entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1961 in Albany, New York. I ministered to many faith-filled families in New York in friendship, joy and sorrow. Ministered to our senior sisters as we talked many stories. My highlight of ministry was preparing children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation. The mentally-challenged children taught me to be grateful for the gifts of body and mind. The Native American children taught me to be grateful for our American heritage. Inner-city families taught me to be richer in loving one another and not in material goods. In 1991, I came to Maui. Here I found precious beauty and peace God gave me. I always say, “Thanks, God, for spoiling me — keep on doing it.” I continue celebrating God’s life with others in faith formation for children and RCIA. One of my highlights was doing Bible study with prisoners. These people made a wrong choice but some have time to make right choices and live a better life with God in their lives. One of the guards thought I was one of the prisoners – oh, dear – but they let me out. I want to die with my boots on, even the ones I wore out. Live on in God’s love.
60: profession
Brother Robert Maruyama, SM
Born: 1937, Los Angeles
Community: Society of Mary (Marianists)
First profession: October 1962, in Santa Cruz, California
Year arrived in Hawaii: 1999
Years served in Hawaii: 1999 to 2021
Past ministries: high school teacher, Gardena, California, 1964-1965; high school teacher, San Francisco, 1967-1972 and 1975-1980; high school teacher in Canoga Park, California, 1980-1982; teacher in Yokohama, Japan, 1983-1986; university faculty in Dayton, Ohio, 1987-1998; faculty, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 1999-2021
Present ministry: Retired in 2021; leading Bible study sessions for Japanese Catholic Community of Hawaii
Reflection: Joining a particular religious society is like being born in a particular family. One becomes a member of a new community of which he knows so little, and gradually, he grows into it and learns to love it and become proud of it.
One of the Marianist charisms is a special dedication to Mary, the Mother of God. Regarding Jesus’ teaching that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven, one of our venerable Marianist thinkers once pointed out that there is no better way to become such a child than to have Mary as one’s mother.
60: profession
Father James E. McDonough, SS.CC.
Born: 1935, Buffalo, New York
Community: Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2022
Past ministries: in the Sacred Hearts USA Province Japan: pastor, director of skilled nursing home; kindergarten principal, English teacher at Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
Present ministry: retired; chaplain for the Japanese Catholic Community in Hawaii
Reflection: I was assigned to our mission in Japan in 1968, right after ordination in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.
While living in a parish church near Tokyo, I was transferred to a parish church in Yamagata City, about three hours north of Tokyo, by bullet train. The reason: a native-speaking English teacher was needed for the University of Yamagata.
Two Japanese priests, whom I knew, were already living there. I was sure they were waiting for my arrival.
I arrived around 7 p.m. On my way to the church rectory, I stopped into a small sushi restaurant. I surprised the owner and a few of the customers sitting at the sushi bar. I had no idea how to order sushi, especially for a take-out. I just kept pointing at the colorful display of fish under the glass-covered counter.
The sushiya san (owner cook) was very friendly and helpful.
When I arrived, both priests were waiting for me in the church TV room; clearly (for sure now) they were happy to greet me. I am still happy for such a good start to a very pleasant and productive relationship that lasted more than 20 years. I think now I discovered the way to the kokoro (heart) of a Japanese man is through good sushi.
60: profession
Father William F. Petrie, SS.CC.
Born: 1941, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Past ministries: parish ministry; worked with St. Teresa of Calcutta Hansen’s disease apostolates 1975-2000; pastor Maria Lanakila Parish in Lahaina, Maui; congregational leadership role in Massachusetts for six years; pastor for six years at St. Damien Parish on Molokai; assigned to St. Patrick Monastery in Honolulu
Present ministries: chaplain for Sacred Hearts Sisters; parish weekend work; member of the Joseph Dutton Guild
Reflection: After Canada, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. I entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in 1958, making my first profession of vows in 1962 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. I was ordained in 1969.
The life and ministry of St. Damien of Molokai brought about a desire to work with Hansen’s disease patients in India. After five years of parish ministry, I was granted permission to work in collaboration with Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s Hansen’s disease apostolates. That 25-year assignment brought the most fulfilling priestly life experience possible. It is a lifelong process now, to express gratitude to the Congregation, the Missionaries of Charity, and God for an unbelievable opportunity of loving God and neighbor.
Returning to the United States brought me first to sabbatical life on topside Molokai, followed by being pastor of Maria Lanakila Parish in Lahaina. I returned to Massachusetts to serve in a leadership role for six years before coming back to Hawaii to be pastor for six years at St. Damien Parish on Molokai.
My 2016 assignment to St. Patrick Monastery in Kaimuki led to me being chaplain to our Sacred Hearts Sisters till the present. I also still assist in parish weekend work. As a member of the Joseph Dutton Guild, I help with ongoing fundraising which hopefully will lead to the Servant of God becoming the third (God-willing) saint from the Diocese of Honolulu. What a life, what a vocation! Thanks be to God.
60: profession
Sister Joan of Arc Souza, OSF
Born: Honolulu
Community: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Served in Hawaii: 1973-1984 and 1991-2018
Past ministries: religious education catechist, surrounding parishes in Syracuse, New York, 1963-1967; director of religious education, Cazenovia, New York, and Jamesville, New York 1967-1971; director of religious education, Riverside, New Jersey, 1971-1973; religion department chairperson at Saint Francis High School, 1973-1984; director of religious education, Galeville, New York, 1984-1991; principal/head of school, Saint Francis School, Honolulu, 1991-2018; head of school, Saint Francis School, Kauai, 1997-2001
Present ministry: Authoring a book on the history of Saint Francis School, 1924-2019; treasurer for the Sisters of St. Francis living at the Plaza in Kaneohe. In June 2022, will be installed as a minister for the Franciscan Sisters in Hawaii and the Southwest United States.
Reflection: I made my final profession as a Sister of St. Francis of Syracuse, New York, in 1969 in Blessed Sacrament Church, Pauoa Valley.
In the 1960s and 70s, in various religious education programs for public school students, it was my task to help them understand that God was not the judge and disciplinarian they feared him to be, but to introduce them to God’s loving generosity, and that they have for eternity existed in the mind of this loving God. In the early 1970s, for one summer, I had the opportunity to study Scripture in Jerusalem and Greece: a truly memorable experience.
At Saint Francis High School, teaching the young women that Baptism did not make them a Catholic Christian, it only opened the door. Questioning and embracing their faith, making it a part of their core existence, made them a Catholic.
In 1991, my community’s leadership team requested that I serve as principal of Saint Francis High School in Manoa. The request came with the directive: you have three years to turn it around or the school will be closed. Under my tenure, the amazing faculty, staff, students and alumni, who daily walked her hallowed halls, kept Saint Francis School alive for another 27 years. Mahalo to all of them. In 2008 Hawaii Business Magazine granted Saint Francis School the distinction as one of the “Best Places to Work in Hawaii.”
50: ordination
Father Arnold Ortiz
Born: 1946, Sacramento, California
Community: Oblates of St. Joseph, 1965; diocesan priest, Diocese of Honolulu, 2014
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2013
Incardinated: 2014
Past ministries: parochial vicar, St. Elizabeth Parish, Aiea, 2013; administrator, St. Elizabeth, 2013
Present ministry: pastor, St. Elizabeth, 2014 to present
Reflection: One of my greatest joys was teaching high school immediately after ordination at Marello Prep in Santa Cruz 1972-1978. In ‘78 I was appointed novice master for my community. In preparation for that ministry, I traveled to Italy to study Oblate history. During my stay, I saw Pope Paul VI, later canonized on Oct. 14, 2018.
I was appointed parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Sacramento, 1981-1991. During that same time (1885-1991), I served my community as provincial and during my two terms I traveled twice to Italy to participate in chapters for the community. On the first trip, I met now St. John Paul II and concelebrated Mass with him. Two popes, two saints.
I was appointed pastor of St. Joachim Parish, Madera, California, 1991-1998, and pastor of St. Mary Parish 1998-2004. That year I was appointed founding pastor of a new parish in Granite Bay, California. We had no church, so services were celebrated in a local school gym, but ministries were formed along with building committees which eventually led to the construction of the new St. Joseph Marello Parish church, dedicated Oct. 11, 2011. St. Joseph Marello is the Founder of the Oblates and this church is the first in the world dedicated to this holy founder who died in 1895 in Northern Italy. The Oblates are known for their youth ministry and I was so happy and blessed to include youth ministry with all my other assignments.
For many, many years I felt the call to come to Hawaii but kept delaying taking action until I finally listened to the Holy Spirit saying, “Go!” And the doors opened! I arrived in Honolulu on Jan. 23, 2013, and I am eternally grateful to Bishop Larry Silva for welcoming me into the diocese.
25: ordination
Father Paul John Tagaro Camiring
Born: 1970, Manila, Philippines
Community: diocesan priest, Archdiocese of Manila
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2022
Past ministries: priest of the Archdiocese of Manila, 1997-1998, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines; 1998-2000, pastor, Resurrection of Our Lord, Caloocan City, Philippines; priest in Europe, 2000-2003, chaplain, Brussels, Belgium; priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, 2004-2007, priest-in-residence, Saint Ann Parish, Washington, D.C.; 2008-2011, parochial vicar, Saint Augustine Church and School, Washington, D.C.; 2012-2022, priest of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, United States Army chaplain
Present ministry: parochial vicar, St. Elizabeth Parish, Aiea
Reflection: I served as a pastor to the urban poor and priest-in-charge of the ongoing formation of catechists and religious education teachers in Manila, Philippines; I assisted the bishop as chaplain to the Catholic charismatic and immigrant communities in Western Europe; served as chaplain for the Catholic charismatic and immigrant communities in the Metro-DC area; served as pastor to an inner-city parish in downtown Washington, D.C.; and as a chaplain in the United States Army.
25: ordination
Father Ornoldo Joselito Cherrez Andagoya
Born: 1965, Canton Chillanes, Ecuador
Community: Diocesan priest
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2015
Years of service here: 7 years
Past Ministries: served in the Apostolic Vicariate, Galapagos, 1997-2006; working in the Diocese of Los Angeles, 2006-2015, in the following parishes: San Matthias at Huntington Park, St. Martha in Valinda, St. Alfonso in East Los Angeles, and Our Lady of Guadalupe in the City of the Mountain; parochial vicar at St. Michael, Kona, 2015-2016; administrator for St. Benedict Parish at Captain Cook, 2016-2019
Present Ministry: July 2019 to present, chaplain for the Hispanic community on Maui, attending to three parishes, Christ the King, Kahului, Maria Lanakila, Lahaina, and St. Theresa, Kihei. In residence at St. Theresa.
Reflection: Some of the highlights of my priestly life have been the evangelization of families, especially parents and working with engaged couples.
25: profession
Sister Maria Oliva E. Fuentes, OP
Born: 1976, Tinaytayan, Dumarao, Capiz, Philippines
Community: Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines —Hawaii Region
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2008
Years of service here: 14 years
Past ministries: preschool, kindergarten, music and religion teacher (Philippines); preschool teacher, Rosary Preschool, Waipio, 2008-2014; director, Rosary Preschool, 2014-2017; preschool director/teacher, St. Elizabeth School, Aiea, 2017-2020
Present ministries: principal/preschool director and music teacher, St. Elizabeth School, Aiea, 2020-present
Reflection: I am deeply grateful to God for his countless blessings most especially for my family, Dominican vocation, community and ministry. Being a Dominican Sister for 25 years is one of the wonderful things God has given me.
My greatest joy in the ministry is working with the little children. I always find the love and joy of our Lord in them; I have a deep sense of happiness and peace knowing that this is where God called me to be. Thank you, Almighty God for your unconditional love!
25: ordination
Father Manuel Aguilar Hewe
Born: 1965, Butuan City, Philippines
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2001
Years of service in Hawaii: 20
Incardinated to the Diocese of Honolulu: Jan. 23, 2009
Past Ministries: 1997, secretary to the bishop, (Philippines); formator/instructor, Catechetical Formation Center, AMA College; trainer, Catholic lay leaders; parish administrator, Our Lady of Assumption; 2002-2003, associate pastor, St. John Apostle and Evangelist, Mililani; 2003-2004, administrator, Holy Rosary, Pahala, and Sacred Heart, Naalehu; 2004-2007, administrator, St. Theresa, Mountain View; 2006-2007 vicar forane, East Hawaii Vicariate; 2007-2011, administrator, then pastor, St. John Apostle and Evangelist; vicar forane, Central Oahu Vicariate; 2011-2019, Vicar for Clergy
Present ministries: pastor, Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa; vicar forane, West Honolulu Vicariate
Other assignments/appointments: 2007-present, member of the Clergy Personnel Board, Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors; 2011, Implementation Commission of the Diocesan Road Map; 2013, administrator, St. Jude Parish, Kapolei; 2015, administrator, Our Lady Queen of Angels; 2017, director of spiritual formation for the Deacon Formation program; secretary, Members Corporation of the Roman Catholic Church the State of Hawaii, 2020-present; Diocesan Investment and Loan Committee; 2022-present, president, Filipino Catholic Priests in Hawaii
Reflection: I am the youngest of five siblings. I dreamed of becoming an electrical engineer, having my own company, and having a big family. After graduating from high school, I went to college and pursued my ambition and plans. The calling to priesthood set in later in my life when I was involved with a Bible enrichment program, in particular, Catholic Faith Defender (CFD), which led me to join the Catechetical Formation Program and become a certified catechist and involved in the various pastoral programs of the parish. Several years later, I decided to enter the seminary.
And after 10 years of seminary studies in college and theologate, I was ordained deacon on Nov. 12, 1996, and priest on May 27, 1997. The greatest joy of my priesthood is being assigned in a parish celebrating the Holy Sacraments, in particular, the Holy Mass with those in trouble, lost, in need, poor, and searching in life. It’s a profound privilege to teach, lead, and witness on behalf of Jesus, knowing that you also share somewhat similar struggles with the people you are serving.
25: ordination
Father Joselito Cedro Hitosis, SSS
Born: 1964, Manila, Philippines
Community: Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2019
Years of service here: two-and-a-half years
Past ministries: school and hospital chaplain; formator vicar, associate pastor, on the Mainland
Present ministry: interim pastor, St Joseph Church, Hilo
Reflection: I’m the second child of five of Johnny and Rosie Hitosis, both deceased. I was born, raised and studied in the Philippines and ordained to the priesthood by the late Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila. I have been a missionary religious priest since I was ordained, working in local churches in the Philippines and abroad, like Uganda in Africa, and in the United States in Ohio, Texas, Illinois and now Hawaii. I have experienced the joy of meeting people, the faithful, learning languages and cultures and eating different foods. The highlight of my priestly ministry was experienced in the mission I had in East Africa where I encountered a lot of challenges. Yet it was all a fulfillment of my desires to be a missionary. Being away from my parents and family was always a challenge that I needed to face every now and then.
25: ordination
Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen
Born: 1965, Nhatrang, Vietnam
Community: Diocesan priest
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2004
Past ministries: St. John Vianney Parish, Kailua; St. Stephen Parish, Nuuanu; Blessed Sacrament Parish, Pauoa
Present ministry: pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Ala Moana
Reflection: Six years after the fall of Saigon, on a very dark night in Holy Week 1981, my older brother and I fled the Communist country, leaving behind our mother, a brother and two sisters.
For seven days and nights, we floated toward the east on a fishing boat just 26 feet long and 8 feet wide. Our food supply was running low and our water was drying up. Being aware of approaching death amid the vast ocean, I bargained with God that if he would give me life, then mine would be his forever.
Arriving in America five days before Christmas of 1982 and graduating from high school in 1986, in Houston, Texas, it was God who found and reminded me of the promise made on the boat. It was as if the light had gone on inside me.
In 1987, I began seminary formation at St. Andrew’s College at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey and completed theology studies at The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minneapolis.
Ordained in June of 1997 I served as a priest of the Diocese of Colorado Springs until coming to Hawaii in July of 2004.
On this 25th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood, the joy of being called is the joy of the Annunciation when the angel came to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Following her humble example of accepting God’s invitation, Mary’s words resound in me today and always, “Secundum verbum tuum.” (This is a preview of my eulogy to come. Amen.)
25: profession
Father Santhosh O. Thottankara, SS.CC.
Born: 1974, Cheranalloor, Kerala, India
Community: Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Year arrived in Hawaii: 2017
Years of service in Hawaii: 5 years
Past ministries: Vocation promoter (Philippines), in charge of candidacy program (India); pre-novice master (India and Philippines); assistant director for social work and in charge of finance (India); rector and superior of philosophy students and finance (India); coordinator of initial formation for India and Philippines; associate formator for theologians (Philippines), hospital chaplain (Philippines); initial formation coordinator for Asia and Tahiti; coordinator of the final vows preparation team for the generalate; two times regional counselor in the leadership of India; associate pastor at St. Patrick Church, Honolulu; vocation promoter for Hawaii; ongoing formation coordinator for USA province, area coordinator for Hawaii
Present ministry: ongoing formation team member for USA province; pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Pearl City
Reflection: Twenty-five years of religious life lived with its joys and struggles made me a better religious of the Sacred Hearts. I felt God’s call in me as his plan to save me. Being in formation ministry and leadership is totally different from being in parochial ministry. Parochial ministry will really test you to the core and bring the best out of you when you are rooted in Jesus with prayer and faith. Parishioners will love you and also criticize and challenge you. Parochial ministry will mold you to his will and mission.
The Eucharist, reparative adoration and family spirit have a great impact in my life as a religious. The congregation’s spirit of brotherly love and compassion is remarkable. We live simple lives with mutual respect and appreciation for one another. It’s a privilege to belong to a global family with brothers and sisters beyond borders. I can go anywhere in the world where our brothers are present and be accepted as one of them. I can relate to them as one among them regardless of my ethnicity or nationality.
Baptizing, celebrating the Eucharist, visiting the sick in their homes and anointing the sick gives me great joy and when people come for the sacrament of reconciliation and seek counseling I feel joy that God is using me for his mission.
