VIRIDITAS 2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
In our Honolulu bookstore chapel, there was the saying, “Do not be afraid, I am with you.” With the store closing in Hawaii, there was so much fear in me. Although Hawaii was the second house I closed, there were so many things I didn’t know how to do. But, God put many people in my path who knew people, who were familiar with things.
At the farewell Mass for the Daughters of St. Paul, Bishop Larry thanked the sisters for planting the seeds of faith in Hawaii and the Pacific for almost 48 years. The plants have grown. Hopefully, those who have received the Word of God through the mission will themselves plant the same seeds of faith in the lives of others they encounter. That is how the word of God spreads. Through the witness of our lives, it is like a pay it forward. For those who attend Mass, it is the Word of the Lord we receive every day through the readings, the Eucharist and so forth.
As we were closing up shop, because we had been here so long in the huge place, I found myself asking, “What am I going to do with all of the bookshelves? What am I going to do with all the things around? What am I going to do with all of the things in the convent?” I teasingly responded to people, “My job is to empty the building. But, what to do with the building is a different sister’s job.”
Everything that was in the building went to charity. The bookshelves went to a school. Assorted items went into a 20-by-40 foot sponsored container to help the needy on Molokai. Towels, coffee pots and more went to the weekend homeless make-shift shower ministry. It was a consolation to see a lot of things going to others’ missions. All were put to good use. Even some people who were moving into new apartments and needed furnishings, were happy to be able to save money and recycle up. My fear of “How am I going to distribute all of this?” was alleviated. The key is who you know.
Those who you know, know of other people who can make use of things. We met our deadline.
It was a healing process for me, too. It was bittersweet and kind of sad to have been here to close the Honolulu store. This is where I entered the Daughters of St. Paul. But in the process, I felt God has worked miracles in the diocese through our humble lives. It is God himself who works in us and reflects his love through our lives, and those whom we have encountered. I’m consoled as I return to our provincial house in Boston that I was able to close the physical presence. The Lord’s spirit, however, is alive and continues on.
Know of someone you would like to recommend to share their story of faith? Email Sister Malia Dominica Wong, O.P., at mwong2@chaminade.edu.
