VIRIDITAS2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I never dreamed that I would be asked to go to an overseas mission. As Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, we are missioned in many places. However, when I was asked by my superior general to go to Hawaii, I was surprised. I know that any mission will be challenging. If I trust God’s will, I feel I can do something for the people.
I am from the northeastern India state of Manipur. Of eleven in my family, I am the sixth child. My third eldest sister is a Salesian sister. One of my brothers was planning to become a priest, but he is now happily married.
My father is a catechist. And, as such, he is missionary-minded. When I asked his permission to go to a faraway place, he was happy. He said to me, “Everywhere is our mission, do not worry. Go and do God’s work, my daughter.” My elder sister, who represents my mother in the house cried when she heard I was going on a mission in another country. As religious, we do not get to go home often. However, she still prays for and encourages me.
In my work at St. Catherine’s School in Kapaa, Kauai, I am very happy. In the beginning, it was hard to learn the different teaching system. But, there is something special about the school community here. There is more of a family spirit around, not just teacher-student relationships.
Recently, for example, we celebrated Valentine’s Day at school. Students expressed themselves with gratitude for my and the other sisters being here. My students even took the initiative to ask me if we could have a potluck in class. Each student did bring something to share. After the lunch break, we prayed together, and enjoyed each other’s company as a school family.
I have also heard feedback from my classes on how happy parents are with what their children are learning. Some expressed that formerly, the children were taught to fear a punishing God. But, now they have been learning about a God who is loving, compassionate and kind. When the children understand the values of Jesus Christ that I teach not only in religion class, but also incorporated in their English, reading and writing classes, I am really happy.
Providence will not send us where the grace of God cannot keep us. This encourages me forward. Gone are the anxieties, fears and doubts I held before I arrived in this mission. I feel it is God who really strengthens and provides. As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Knowing this, along with prayer and my special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus when special graces or favors are needed, is important. I look forward to each day to learning more from my students as I try my best to keep sharing with them our loving God.
St. Catherine Parish and School, Kapaa, welcomed to their staff three Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians from India on Oct. 7, 2022. Sister Rachel is the homeroom teacher for grades five and six. The sisters expand the Missionary Sisters’ Hawaii mission to seven members. Four others serve on Oahu.
