VIRIDITAS2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Back during the summers of 1985 and 1987, I worked at the Mary Jane Home in Kalihi Valley. Remember the RGS? Really Great Sisters? Actually, it is an acronym for the Religious of the Good Shepherd.
Catholic Charities had invited my congregation to staff its program then. We helped with women who were in a wounded place. The Mary Jane Home was a safe and caring place for unwed mothers. This ministry fit in well with the RGS charism of reconciliation. That is, of helping people move toward wholeness with themselves, God and others.
During the summers, I filled in for the islanders who went on vacation. We were about four or five sisters rotating in and out of long daily shifts. What impressed me most about working at the Mary Jane Home was how relaxed the women were despite their difficult situation. My responsibility was to be with the women and make sure they had all they needed. In case there was something that I did not know, I would call back to our Kaneohe house and get back to the women.
I loved being there and working with the women. The grounds were also beautiful, full of fragrant flowers. One day, it was raining very hard. As I left the home, I was feeling unsettled about the drab conditions. But as I drove up out of the driveway and around the bend, I saw two large rainbows sweeping across the sky.
After I left Hawaii, I worked in the formation of religious women in my congregation. This was followed by working with girls in any kind of trouble- from those incarcerated, abused, or those found on, or working, the streets.
One day, as a volunteer and I were about to go on the streets to talk with people and give out resources, she decided she wanted to do a survey. So, we split up. The one question we asked those we met was: “If you could change anything in your life, if there could be any magic something, what would you want?” One person said, “a home.” Everyone else responded with something relational, such as: “a friend; a husband; a wife; someone I could trust.” The need to belong was so strong.
Another time, I met a guy standing on a street corner with a million words on his sign. I waved. He said, “Thank you for seeing me.”
Ministering on the streets, I got to meet people of all cultures, races, sexuality identities and needs. Letting others know that I love them and trust them made the difference for them and myself. I have learned so much from those I serve. People who do not have anything, have nothing to hide behind. I, on the other hand, have food, a home, a car, a job, education. They come as they are. Through them I have a better understanding of life, God’s creativity, and people’s goodness. God loves us all.
Now I work at the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Spirituality Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in grief work, dreamwork and as a spiritual director.
