OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“We are here to worship the God who never abandons us, but who embraces us with his whispers of comfort, love and care. And despite the difficulties you have had … know that God’s hand is moving in thousands of people throughout Hawaii, the United States, and the world in reaching out to you in this greatest hour of need.” Bishop Larry Silva, Aug. 13, homily, Maria Lanakila Parish, Lahaina, Maui)
Just days after the devastating wildfires engulfed and burned the historic town of Lahaina to the ground, Bishop Larry Silva traveled to Maui to pray with parishioners for the missing victims and to comfort the suffering survivors who lost loved ones, their homes and livelihoods.
Bishop Silva embraced all on Maui with his compassionate presence and consoling words which are worth repeating during these difficult days of relief and recovery. “If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, he can calm the storms, give us the ability to accomplish miraculous deeds, and keep us afloat when we think we are drowning in the overwhelming misery that surrounds us.”
In his Sunday sermon, Bishop Silva shared words of solace with those seeking some message of hope. “We are gathered here today, after having experienced these dramatic events, to hear a tiny whispering sound, the voice of God, who assures us of his love and care for us, despite whatever horrors or tragedies may befall us.”
The bishop recognized that God’s “tiny, whispering voice may very well be drowned out by grief, anxiety, and frustration,” but he assured all that “countless prayers have been offered for you, and donations and services for recovery and rebuilding are pouring in. We gather to give thanks that this whisper of God’s love is stronger than the noise and drama of any disaster.”
He also reminded the Sunday parish gathering that “We who have the blessing of believing in God and in the power of the Lord Jesus also have a responsibility to stand in the midst of winds and fires of grief and frustration to amplify … this tiny voice of God that indicates his never-failing presence and care for us … so that this whispering voice of God will be our guide and our hope.”
The media have pointed out that the surviving Maria Lanakila Catholic Church has become one of the “beacons of hope.” As Msgr. Terrence Watanabe, the vicar of Maui, put it “In everyday life we keep looking for signs of God’s love and presence; that’s why this is such an important symbol to us.”
Other signs of hope and examples of God’s amplified whisper continue to move across Hawaii. Parishes within the Maui vicariate have been quick to respond to their neighbors impacted by the wildfires, rushing to provide food, clothing and toiletries through the support of their food pantries and thrift shops. Maui’s famous Hale Kau Kau at St. Theresa Parish in Kihei, which already provides a daily food ministry year-round for vulnerable persons, immediately rose to the call of feeding wildfire evacuees. Parish volunteers across the island flocked to offer their services at shelters and clinics, collecting donations for the wildfire victims. Under Msgr. Watanabe’s leadership, the vicariate community is working on a coordinated response for the immediate, medium and long term.
Maui parishes also hosted special prayer services. A week after the destruction, many parishioners attended the ecumenical prayer service at St. Anthony in Wailuku led by Bishop Silva who concluded his message with the following words: “Let us also remember the power of prayer. In our collective prayers, we ask for strength, resilience and healing for the fire victims and their families. May we find the grace to rebuild our families, their livelihoods, and the physical structures that were lost. Let our faith guide us as we navigate the challenges ahead, knowing that with the grace of God, all things are possible. May God bless you all abundantly, and may our efforts bring comfort and hope to those in need. Maria Lanakila (Our Lady of Victory), pray for us!”
To donate directly to our diocese’s Maui relief efforts, make a contribution to the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation at tinyurl.com/MauiCatholic. Let us all be a part of amplifying God’s whispering voice of aloha and hope. For more information on the diocese’s efforts to help persons impacted by the catastrophic Maui wildfires, please visit the diocesan website: catholichawaii.org.
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
