Red Mass talk: Navigating politics with positivity and purpose

By Eva Andrade
Special to the Herald

Here is the prepared text of the talk given at the Red Mass of the Diocese of Honolulu, Jan. 16, at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu. Andrade is the director of the Hawaii Catholic Conference and president of Hawaii Family Forum.

Aloha to everyone here today, and a special aloha to our legislators, civic leaders, religious faith leaders. It is an honor to speak to you today.

As I stand in this great church building — the oldest building in downtown Honolulu — I am humbled by the legacy of Red Mass speakers who, over a cumulative 69 years, have graced this podium before me. While the tradition of the Red Mass in Hawaii traces back to 1955, the rich history of faith-based collaboration with the local government predates this, forming a narrative that I would like to delve into today.

This year marks 30 years that I have been a working member of the Hawaii Catholic Conference, the public policy voice for the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii. As a side note, I have been doing this job so long that I remember going to the State Capitol to pick up BOXES of legislative bills. Whenever we had to send out an action alert, I would stand at the fax machine and spend most of my day dialing up the 66 parishes in the Diocese. The sound of the facsimile machine connecting still sends me into post-traumatic stress …

For those that may not be aware, the Hawaii Catholic Conference under the leadership of Bishop Larry Silva, consists of leaders from St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii, Chaminade University, Hawaii Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Hope Services, Social Ministry, Respect Life, and the Hawaii Catholic Herald. In recent years, you’ve had the privilege of listening to Red Mass speakers from some of these renowned institutions, each offering insightful narratives about their remarkable endeavors and significant contributions to our community. You know them because of their ministry and commitment. These are solid examples of partnerships that work, and I am proud to stand alongside them.

In 2012, the Sisters of St. Francis (who by the way were my teachers in grade school at Our Lady of Good Counsel school in Pearl City) asked me if I would portray St. Marianne Cope in the diocesan production of the play “November’s Song.” As I prepared for that role, I gained a profound understanding of the compassionate spirit embodied by a woman from Syracuse who journeyed to Hawaii at the desperate request of King Kalakaua to care for his citizens afflicted by Hansen’s Disease. In this very church, upon her arrival, Mother Marianne affirmed her dedication to collaborate with the Hawaii government and its people … “we are cheerfully willing to undertake the work” and that is exactly what she did. That’s her pictured on the back wall on the left.

When it came to serving the people of Hawaii, Mother Marianne seamlessly bridged the gap between church and state, showcasing a remarkable commitment to what is right, and through the power of collaboration, she set a positive example of what can be achieved. So much so that Rome, recognizing her supreme goodness, made her a saint. Even after 140 years, her example continues to resonate, offering valuable insights for addressing our present-day challenges.

Navigating politics with positivity and purpose is exactly what Mother Marianne Cope shared with us. It begins with the most basic reflection, “why am I doing this?”

Why did you run for office or accept the position you hold? Most likely you know the unique talents that you have and are willing to roll up your sleeves and address issues that are important to the people of Hawaii. You’ve devoted your lives to serving the public, and we acknowledge the challenges that come with this noble calling. With every decision you make, you face both positive and negative responses.

Many pressing issues challenge our state. Homelessness, a lack of living wages, high vacancies in our state government that cripple our ability to provide needed services, families leaving our islands to find affordable living elsewhere, a rise in suicides, recovery from the devasting fire in Lahaina and many others. Navigating complex issues like these proves challenging, and in our pursuit of solutions, we often encounter a relentless stream of critics and unforeseen challenges.

Our response to these efforts is crucial in a world where negativity has grown to the point of crisis. Over the past several years, I have witnessed more, and more vicious, verbal attacks against people in leadership positions including the governor, our state legislators, police officers, military personnel, judges, church leaders and just about everyone else.

While it is imperative that we encourage participation in the legislative process (because that is our right as citizens), we must acknowledge that it is HOW we participate that will positively shape public policy in Hawaii. Personal attacks via emails, (including doxing), phone calls, text messages and rallies have turned into harassment. This verbal abuse must cease.

Over the past year, leaders and their families have faced alarming death threats, compelling them to make the tough choice of stepping down from their positions. This does not align with the spirit of the Aloha State. We believe in the inherent dignity of every individual, as we are all created in the image of God, deserving respect and consideration.

As legislators and civic leaders, your commitment lies in fostering collaboration with the community and people of faith. Yet, the realization of this shared goal is hindered when our relationships encounter adversity. Nurturing and preserving these connections are indispensable for the successful synergy between leadership and the community.

After delving into the “why am I doing this” we must wholeheartedly commit to infusing hope and healing into every facet of our influence. This is not a call to view the world through rose-colored glasses. Instead, it serves as a way to identify common ground and opportunities for improvement, focusing our efforts on that which unites us and has the potential to create positive change.

Fostering a sense of respect

Some of my greatest memories at the State Capitol include conversations with legislators who agreed to talk with me about an issue, even issues on which we disagreed. On more than one occasion, I reached out to a key member of the House or Senate and asked to discuss an issue. I didn’t expect to change their mind, and I knew they weren’t going to change mine, but I appreciated their willingness to engage. The greatness of this country is manifested when diverse minds converge on opposing sides of an issue, fostering a sense of respect that emanates from each perspective. What comes next takes courage because it takes work!

Each legislative session produces thousands of bills. Although not every one of them receives a hearing, I am in awe of the hundreds of bills you must consider as they move through the legislative process. As you know well, I am not always the testifier most welcomed by the “other” side. There are times that I want to quit. I’m sure most of you have had the same feeling. But we don’t because we are working toward the greater good. The greater good — that is what should unite us.

For all of us, courage becomes the trait that propels us to action. The outcome of our efforts, whether we “win” or “lose” an issue, pales in comparison to the transformative power that unfolds in the aftermath. It is in the post-battle moments that our character is truly shaped and defined. Building good moral character is how we can best shape politics in Hawaii.

We work together because we love Hawaii and its people. We all do what we do because we want to make a difference. Whether we are the governor, the bishop, or a stay-at-home mom, we matter. Our values matter. Our decisions matter. Our lives matter.

Jesus said that we would know his true followers by their works. This is how God evaluates us. He created us to be a reflection of Him. When people see us, they should see Him. Jesus came to bring love and healing. As His followers we are called to be spiritual physicians and physical journeymen (and women). Just as He was.

As I end, I want to acknowledge the unsung heroes … those people involved in ministries that provide food for people in their communities, those that work with people suffering from addiction, those who walk with women who face an unplanned pregnancy, those providing services for foster care families and adoption, those helping people transition from prison back into the community, and those who provide counseling for suicide prevention, domestic violence, and kupuna care. These people do good work every single day without fanfare, and their ministries ultimately benefit the wider community.

And to you, our legislators, civic leaders, religious leaders, we are grateful for every single one of you because you have chosen to do the work that you do. Your role and decisions directly affect us. Let us open wide the lines of communication and build relationships so that we can continue to work together. Our goal of a strong Hawaii is a good goal, a worthwhile goal, a common goal.

G.K. Chesterton once said that “[t]he true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”

Mahalo for the opportunity to speak to you all today. May God bless each of you in the work He has called you to do.