VIRIDITAS2: SOUL GREENING
To do as much as I can
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Interviewed Sept. 7 at Sacred Hearts Mission, Kapalua
Residing in Kapalua, we knew nothing of what was happening in Lahaina until someone showed us a picture of the devastation. It was unbelievable to see that. My husband, Joseph, who serves as the president of the pastoral council and I are trying to do whatever we can to help at church.
I facilitate Bible studies. We serve on the stewardship committee and now also help out with bereavement and outreach. We are trying to do as much as we can coordinating with all of our other ministries to get people what they need: clothing, food, housing, rent. And there are angels that are helping us too.
On Oahu, we are especially grateful for the Knights of Columbus, EPIC Ministries, and the Knights of Malta that have provided so much that our parishioners needed. It is wonderful to see the outpouring of support and community all around.
Sacred Hearts School has now started classes on the campus of Sacred Hearts Mission. Our principal, Tonata Lolesio, is amazing. We are so blessed by God to have her. Even teachers who have lost their homes have agreed to come back for the children. A nearby hotel is providing lunch for the school. And a nearby restaurant continues to provide lunches for those in need. My husband picks up lunches for the deacons and priests helping at the relief centers.
Since Sacred Hearts School is holding classes outside of the church, we have cut down our relief area a little and sent some items over to Kula. A number of people there also have suffered from fires.
Everything changed in a day. Your heart goes out to everyone who tells you their story. And, these stories need to be told. People have not only material needs, but spiritual and emotional needs. Getting grief counseling and prayer support is vital. We are grateful for the many priests and deacons, not only from our neighbor islands, but also from the mainland who have come to offer spiritual support even at the relief centers.
Talking to people and talking with friends, and hearing what they have experienced has motivated me and encouraged me to do as much as I can to help. I see their grief. My heart just goes out to them. I think that is the feeling in our whole community. Everyone wants to just come out and help as much as they can. At Mass this morning, the responsorial psalm read, “I trust in the mercy of God forever.” Coming together, hoping in God and trusting in God is so important right now.
When Bishop Larry was here a couple of weeks ago to say Mass he said, “It is okay to be mad at God. But, we need to talk to God.” I think that really made me feel, “Yes, we do, we really do.” Even if we are upset, discouraged, even despondent, we need to turn to God. We have to trust God has a plan for us.
If I can tell someone, “Please believe, please pray, please talk to God,” and, “Talk to each other,” no matter what our circumstances are, we can commiserate together and help each other in the healing and grief process.
