VIRIDITAS2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“When are you coming back?” asked some parishioners at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church. “We are waiting for you,” they continued. “We will see what God’s plans are,” I responded. As one formerly engaged in the life of the church working with the seniors, the liturgical committee, and with the finance office since 2007, it was hard to leave and return to the Philippines. Pre-pandemic, I had gone home for a visit. But, circumstances caused this recent return to Hawaii to pack up my things.
I am the youngest of 11 children from Legaspi in Luzon, Philippines. There are four of us left. Two of my sisters are in Washington. One of them is working on her retirement. With that said, the third sister is older than us and lives in Legaspi. After my mom passed away when we were all very young, she became our sister-mother caring for eight children. Now, she needs someone to care for her. Seeing this sister at 85 years of age, with no family, and more needs, I went back to care for her.
In my religious community, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, I have found it easy to care for my religious brothers. Caring for my biological family member is much different and has been a great challenge. It has been a difficult transition to stay home because for 33 years, I have become used to the ways of religious life. Thirty-three years, as I now reflect, is also the age at which Jesus died. I offer up my suffering.
The founder of my congregation, St. Peter Julian Eymard, said: “Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power that God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones.” Ask and you shall receive,” our Lord said. Be yourself with the good Lord.”
Prayer is my mainstay. I am fortunate that our home is only about a 15-minute walk away from the parish church. So, I go there to pray and join in Eucharistic adoration as much as possible. I pride myself as an apostle of Eymard. Even at home, when my sister is resting, I am praying. St. Julian Eymard taught, “As far as possible, you should pray in quiet and silent devotion. Try to have a favorite topic of prayer, such as a devotion to the passion of Jesus, the Blessed Sacrament, awareness of the divine presence; go directly to Jesus without too much fuss.”
My local religious community near where I live has also been a great support. Every month when the community has its period of recollection, I stay over a couple of nights to pray with and socialize with them. They also include me in other social events. This also strengthens me to perform the work of caring for my sister. God always gives hope. I do not know what the future may hold. But, I do know I need to leave it all in the hands of God.
Do you know someone you would recommend to share his or her story of faith? Email Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP, at mwong2@chaminade.edu.