Wearing leis of appreciation, are jubilarians, from left, Sister Ann Faber Chang, CSJ; Sister Dolores Marie Pavao, SSCC; and Sister V. Herman Julia Aki, SSCC, at the annual Jubilarian Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa April 29. (Photo courtesy of Dann Ebina )
By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“Shocking! Over the top! Unbelievable!” Bishop Larry Silva used those superlatives and more “to describe God’s love for us” in his homily at the Mass of Thanksgiving for the contributions of 19 priests and religious women celebrating milestone years of service April 29 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa.
“What great love God has shown us,” he said, not just through Jesus’ death and resurrection, but how today he “comes down from heaven as his own flesh to eat and his blood to drink. How unbelievable!”
“So we have before us today, men and women” who have demonstrated “the significant, unbelievable, exorbitant love of God” through the many lives they have touched.
“We thank God for all of you for this witness to Jesus,” he said, addressing the honorees who were bedecked with leis for the morning liturgy. “But all of you know the honor and glory belongs to the Lord.”
After the homily, the jubilarians, three of whom were concelebrating with the bishop, stood to recite a “renewal of commitment” prayer.
“Gracious God, we thank you for your call and for having brought us to this moment,” they said. “It is our resolve … to give ourselves to the service of your people and to one another.”
After Communion, 11 women from six religious communities, six religious order priests and two diocesan priests marking 25 to 75 years of vows and ordination were presented framed certificates by the bishop.
Eight of the honorees were not present. Their plaques were accepted by members of their communities.
Celebrating 75 of profession was Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister James Therese Joseph.
Celebrating 70 years of profession were Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Sister Herman Julia Aki, Sister of St. Joseph Ann Faber Chang and Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities Rose Loraine Matsuzaki.
Celebrating 60 years of profession were Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary Mary Mark Berdin, Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities William Marie Eleniki; Sacred Hearts Fathers Albert Garcia and Patrick Killilea; Sacred Hearts Sister Dolores Marie Pavao; and Maryknoll Sister Angela Paulette Yeung.
Diocesan Father Paul Smith observed his 60th anniversary of ordination (which actually took place last year).
Observing his 50th anniversary of ordination was Sacred Hearts Father Clyde Guerreiro.
Marking 25 years of profession were Missionary Father of Our Lady of La Salette Adondee Arellano; Blessed Sacrament Father Victor Diolata Jr.; Sister of St. Paul of Chartres Mercedita Estrella; and Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary Mary Sixtilles Pillado and Mary Catherine Verlarde.
Celebrating their 25th anniversaries of ordination were diocesan priest Father John Berger and Somascan Father John Molina.
