Healing a shattered heart
In 2015, I was led to the Honolulu Pauline Books and Media store by my son, the pope and the Blessed Virgin Mary. On Jan. 10, 2015, my son Linden, the eldest of my children, at 18 years old, died in a car accident not even five minutes away from home. My soul was pierced and my heart was shattered. The devil’s 3 Ds of darkness, despair and desolation were threatening to envelope me but the light of Christ’s love and mercy shone through one book — “The Rosary with Pope Francis.”
Not only did this tiny but mighty book dispel the 3 Ds but, more importantly, gave my heart much to ponder upon. It was as if Mama Mary herself outstretched her hand to pull me into the depths of each mystery of her rosary, shining light upon the beauty, riches and truths of our Catholic faith. It was through this book, published by the Daughters of St. Paul, that would spark the fire of love of Jesus, ultimately bringing me back to her Son and his spouse, the church, whom I’d strayed far from at this point.
Wanting the same effects for my family and friends, I went to the bookstore to buy more copies of the book to give out. I became a frequent visitor to the store (more than I ever did in the eight years I worked across the street), forming cherished friendships with Sisters Joseph, Joane and Diane while having grace-filled, Holy Spirit-led conversations about Our Lord, his mother and our Catholic faith.
These conversations and praying along with the book helped to mend my grieving mother’s heart. I finally understood what was meant by God’s mercy. I cannot thank the Daughters of St. Paul Books and Media enough for being an instrument of his mercy, a beacon of his light and playing a direct role in bringing me back home to the Holy Catholic Church, saving my spiritual life.
This is no exaggeration. It goes without saying that I will truly miss visiting the bookstore but trust that the Lord has greater plans for the Sisters to serve his Kingdom.
Ana Quintal, Kapolei
Hypnotized by the music
I am saddened to hear that the Daughters of St. Paul are leaving the islands. Back in the early 1970s, I attended some of their retreats at St. Theresa’s and even considered joining their order. It was a time when I returned after a turbulent freshman year at a mainland college and needed time to heal.
The Daughters were there to offer me prayer, peace and comfort.
I invited one of the sisters to speak to my University of Hawaii communications class. I found it refreshing to see nuns able to write and illustrate books, write and record music, and produce films. Later, they established a bookstore that was even bigger than the Cathedral Bookstore in past years.
As a substitute teacher, I once was faced with some challenging students while discussing a chapter of Christianity. I played chant music which immediately changed their behavior!
Thank goodness I brought the CD I bought at the St. Paul bookstore. One student shared with his other teacher that he felt “hypnotized” by the music! I was so happy to share that story with the nuns.
I did not complete the process of joining the order, which is based in Boston. I instead married someone who was from Massachusetts.
Mahalo, Daughters of St. Paul for the blessings and impressions you leave in Hawaii.
Bernice Ramos Clark,
Sacred Heart Parish, Honolulu
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