“God, our Father, guide of humanity and ruler of creation, look upon these your servants, who wish to confirm their offering of themselves to you. As the years pass by, help them to enter more deeply into the mystery of the church and to dedicate themselves more generously to the good of humanity.”

Prayer of the renewal of vows from the Mass of Religious Profession

Celebrating lives of discipleship

Bishop Larry Silva will celebrate the annual Jubilarian Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. All are invited.

75 Sister Rose Annette Ahuna, OSF

Born: Hilo; 1930
Community: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Celebrating: 75 years
Years of service in Hawaii: 44
(1951-1984, 2013-present)
Past ministries: Saint Francis School, Honolulu; St. Joseph School, Hilo; Maria Regina College and St. Peter’s Day Care, Syracuse, New York; Kalaupapa, Molokai, with the National Park Service
Present ministry: Franciscan presence at the Plaza in Kaneohe
Biography/reflection: I spent 27 years as a teacher at Saint Francis School and St. Joseph School; while at Saint Francis I served as the supervisor of the resident students. I returned to New York as an administrator at Maria Regina College and in 2013 returned to Saint Francis School as the health room monitor, after which I volunteered for Kalaupapa, Molokai. During my Hawaii service, I gave talks on St. Marianne Cope in schools and parishes.

I gratefully credit my parents, family, colleagues in ministry, sisters with whom I have lived, students I have taught as steppingstones in my life of service. A special highlight was the opportunity to be present at Mother Marianne’s canonization in Rome. Volunteering for Kalaupapa gave me an insight into Saint Marianne’s administrative wisdom, deep prayerfulness, protective and compassionate love, untiring patience, and determination in improving the patients’ lives. In prayerful celebration, I thank each one of you for being a part of my Franciscan journey!

Sister Theresa Chow, OSF

Born: Kingman, Arizona; 1928
Community: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Celebrating: 75 years
Years of service in Hawaii: 29 (first arrival was in 1953)
Past ministries: Teacher in New York, Ohio, Hilo and California; parish minister in New York, California, New Mexico and Kauai; parish resource coordinator in St. Augustine by the Sea and St. Patrick churches; volunteer in Kalaupapa, Molokai
Present ministry: Franciscan presence at the Plaza in Kaneohe
Biography/reflection: Growing up in a Taoist environment I participated in Buddhist celebrations of faith. My first exposure to Christianity was through the neighborhood children who attended a parochial school. I listened to them reciting the Our Father, Hail Mary and other prayers.

When my mother died, the authorities placed my siblings and me in separate homes but when my oldest sister came of age, she cared for me until my graduation from high school. I made up my mind to find a church and decided on the Cathedral on Fort Street since it was the easiest to get to by bus. A priest instructed both my sister and me in the Catholic faith, baptized us on the feast of the Assumption, and two years later I joined the Sisters of St. Francis.

A highlight of my ministry was being present in Kalaupapa at the exhumation of Mother Marianne where I lived and worked for eight years. I watched the forensic team dig, document and meticulously brush every piece of bone and place it in the exact position found in the grave.

Sister Mary Edward Sugioka, OSF

Born: Pearl City; 1930
Community: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Celebrating: 75 years
Years of service in Hawaii: 33
(1952-66 at St. Joseph, Hilo; 1978 at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Pearl City; 1994-99 at St. Francis Medical Center West; 2000-13 at Saint Francis School)
Past ministries: St. Matthew, Assumption and St. Margaret in Syracuse, New York
Present ministry: Franciscan presence at the Plaza in Kaneohe
Biography: In high school I converted to Catholicism, and after graduating from Saint Francis School in 1948, I joined the Sisters of St. Francis. I am forever grateful for the gift of conversion as well as a vocation to my Franciscan family.

Most of my teaching was at the elementary level as I enjoy the youngsters. I taught grades one and two at St. Joseph Elementary School, Hilo, for 14 years. Besides teaching I also worked in the medical records department at St. Francis Hospital, West in Ewa and for 13 years in the Media Center at Saint Francis School, Honolulu. Today, I am fully retired and just enjoying the peace and tranquility that God brings each day.

70 Sister Grace Jose (Carol Jean) Capellas, OSF

Born: Hakalau, Big Island
Community: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Celebrating: 70 years
Biography/reflection: Sister Grace Jose (Carol Jean) Capellas, OSF, the daughter of Eugene Jr. and Adeline Capellas, was born in Hakalau on the Big Island. She is the sister of Elizabeth, Eugene III, Charmine, Joseph and Anthony. They were parishioners of Good Shepherd Church in Honomu, Hawaii.

Sister Grace Jose received her B.A. in English at LeMoyne College, Syracuse, New York; M.A. in Spanish at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.; and a degree in vocal performance at the University of Hawaii. Sister Grace Jose received twice distinguished Po‘okela Awards for excellence in theater and performance and had affiliations with the Honolulu Academy of Art.

Being a Sister of St. Francis for 70 years has made it possible for Sister Grace Jose to be an exemplary educator, teacher, arts coordinator, art curator, performer and singer as she served in Syracuse, East Syracuse and Oswego, New York; Long Beach, California; and Honolulu. Sister Grace Jose continues to share her Franciscan Presence and Prayer Ministry. Besides her love for music and opera, Sister Grace Jose is an extremely avid reader of all kinds of literature.

As she personally stated: “The summer I spent in Italy at the hostel our Community owned there is one of the best memories I now have. I did a lot of traveling through the countryside, became more proficient in the language and I learned how community works in another country. I also have had a first-class exposure to what non-Americans go through when they come to our country as well.

“As far as joy goes, being away from my family was difficult, but what I gained from that separation has given me a deep awareness of many things. I have never had a single regret over becoming a Franciscan Sister. It has always been where I belonged!”

Sister Catherine Acain, CSJ

Born: Hamakuapoko Camp, Maui; 1935
Community: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Celebrating: 70 years
Years of service in Hawaii: 57
Past ministries: Second grade, Santa Clara School, Oxnard, California; first grade, Christ the King School, Maui; first grade, St. Anthony School, Kailua; fourth grade, St. Theresa School, Honolulu; fourth grade and Title I students, Christ the King School, Maui
Present ministry: Retired but volunteer religious education teacher, Christ the King Parish, Maui
Biography: Catherine was born in 1935 to Mamerto and Julia Acain of Hamakuapoko Camp on Maui. She was the fifth of their 12 children. Although she graduated from “the old” Maui High School, Catherine and her sister, Sister Julia Marie, came to know the Sisters of St. Joseph at Holy Rosary Church and the two of them entered the postulate in 1953 and were accepted into the community the following March.

Catherine began her lifelong ministry of education to young children in Oxnard, California, and after 11 years was missioned back to Christ the King School on Maui at the same time that Sister Julia Marie was missioned back to St. Theresa School in Honolulu. It was a great joy for both of them to be home and close to family again! Several of her missions in Hawaii put her close to the ocean where she found peace in walking by the water and fishing with family.

Her most memorable and satisfying assignment was teaching a small group of Title I students who needed special help. Although she “retired” from compensated ministry in 2012, her love of children continues today as she volunteers teaching second-grade students in the religious education program at Christ the King Parish.

At the present time Catherine and three other CSJs have formed the Damien and Marianne local community at Roselani Place, an assisted-living facility on Maui. She is a welcomed member of groups of residents who play hanafuda and bingo and is involved in a new ministry of presence and support to the residents and staff.

60 Father Bertram Lock, SSCC

Born: Honolulu; 1943
Community: Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Celebrating: 60 years
Assignments as lay brother: Our Lady of Bethany Monastery, Kaneohe; Sacred Hearts Seminary, Hauula; St. Patrick Church and School, Honolulu; Sacred Hearts Center and Seminary, Kaneohe; St. Patrick Monastery, Honolulu; Sacred Hearts Novitiate, Wareham, Massachusetts; Sacred Hearts Seminary House, Berkeley, California
Assignments as priest: St. Ann Church, Kaneohe (deacon and parochial vicar); St. Augustine by the Sea (parochial vicar); St. Michael Church, Waialua (pastor); St. Patrick Church, Honolulu (current parochial vicar)
Biography/reflection: As I reflect on the wondrous journey of my religious life and priesthood, my heart overflows with gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon me by God’s grace and goodness. For 60 years of religious profession (March 19, 1964, professed vows at Our Lady of Bethany Monastery, Kaneohe), I have walked the path of devotion alongside my fellow brothers and sisters in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Also, for 35 years of ordination, I have been privileged to serve as priest for our Catholics in Hawaii Nei.

In this jubilee celebration, I am reminded of the profound influence of my parents, Wah Cho and Agnes, who instilled in me the values of respect and generosity that have guided my every step. Their wisdom has been a beacon lighting the way through the joys and challenges of religious life and priesthood. I am also deeply indebted to my family, friends and to the leadership of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, whose unwavering support and example have shaped me into the religious and priest I am today.

The parishioners whom I have been blessed to serve have been true companions on this sacred journey. Their openness, support and prayers have been a source of strength and inspiration, sustaining me in my vows and commitment to God’s calling. It is through their faith-filled presence that I have witnessed the boundless love and mercy of our Lord, reflected in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

As I offer my humble gratitude to God and to all who have touched my life, I am filled with a profound sense of awe and wonder at the countless miracles He has wrought. May His guiding hand continue to lead me, as I strive to live out His will with unwavering faith and devotion.

50 Sister Aurora de la Cruz, MM

Born: Santiago City, Isabela, Philippines; 1946
Community: Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic
Celebrating: Golden jubilee
Years of service in Hawaii: Oahu, 1976-77, 1997-2004, 2013-present; Maui, 1977-1980
Past ministries: Education, 1976-1993: Taught at St. Ann School in Kaneohe, Maryknoll High School in Honolulu, St. Anthony Jr.-Sr. High School on Maui, Assumption High School in Majuro, Marshall Islands; served for a few years as principal of Assumption High School. … Mission promotion, 1993-1997: Gave talks about the worldwide missions of the Maryknoll Sisters in schools and churches on the West Coast from Alaska to Texas. … Immigration specialist and job developer, 1997-2004: Assisted immigrant clients at Catholic Charities Hawaii with their immigration- and employment-related needs. Also served the homeless population at the Catholic Charities Transitional Housing for the homeless in Waianae for about a year helping them obtain employment. … Congregational service, 2004-2013: Coordinated the mission education work of the Maryknoll Sisters on the East Coast and later, the Maryknoll Sisters Immigration Office in New York assisting non-U.S. Maryknoll Sisters with their immigration papers. … Immigration specialist, 2013-present: Currently assisting immigrant clients at Catholic Charities Hawaii with their immigration paperwork.
Other ministries: Present member of LARC vocation committee; member of the Maryknoll Sisters vocation committee; vocation contact for the Filipino Catholic Club at St. Anthony Parish Kalihi, Oahu Filipino Catholic clubs and diocesan Filipino Catholic clubs; had served as lector and Eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart Parish in Punahou and at St. Anthony Parish in Kailua; had served as Eucharistic minister at the Oahu Correctional Community Center (OCCC); was a member of the Legion of Mary at Sacred Heart Parish, Punahou
Reflection: As I celebrate my 50th year as a Maryknoll Sister, my whole being is filled with praise and thanksgiving to God for my family, my Maryknoll community here in Hawaii, in New York, and around the world. I am very grateful to those whose lives I have touched and those whose lives touched mine helping me to be faithful to God’s call for me as a vowed religious missionary. I am most grateful for our Maryknoll friends, sponsors, and benefactors for their prayers and support for us in our worldwide mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Making God’s Love Visible.

25 Father Steve Nguyen

Born: Tam Ha, South Vietnam; 1970
Community: Diocesan
Celebrating: 25 years, ordination
Years of service in Hawaii: 25
Past ministries: Sacred Heart Church/Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community; Christ the King Church, Maui; Our Lady of the Mount Church, Kalihi; Catholic University of America (canon law); St. Anthony of Padua Church, Kailua
Present ministries: Pastor, Blessed Sacrament Church, Pauoa; promoter of justice and defender of the bond
Reflection: Throughout the 25 years of my priesthood, nothing stands out more clearly than the day of my ordination. It is still THE most impactful, life changing moment that I have ever experienced. I was (and still am) filled with the most profound sense of gratitude, humility and joy-gratitude for being unconditionally loved by our most perfect God, humility and unworthiness as I dedicated my life to our Father, and pure joy as I committed myself to fulfilling God’s call to serve. Celebrating the Eucharist and the Sacraments, counseling those who find themselves in uncertain situations, and guiding the faithful through the complexities of living a Christ-centered life are some of the small things I do to model our Father’s call to serve.

Father Geronimo “Eric” Castro, MS

Born: Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines; 1970
Community: Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette
Celebrating: 25 years, ordination
Years of service in Hawaii: 23
Past ministries: Vocation director (Mother of Hope Province, Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette); parochial vicar, St. Anthony Church, Kalihi; parochial vicar, St. Joseph Church, Waipahu; parochial vicar, St. Joseph Church, Makawao; pastor, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Kula; pastor, St. Joseph Church, Makawao; parochial vicar, St. Joseph Church, Waipahu; district supervisor, La Salette Hawaii-California district
Present ministry: Pastor, St. Joseph Church, Waipahu
Reflection: The faith and devotion of my family to the church, particularly to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Witnessing their deep connection to their faith and their unwavering devotion to the church has left a lasting impression on me. These experiences, coupled with my own personal journey of faith, have ultimately led me to pursue a vocation as a religious priest.

One of the most significant highlights of my 25 years has been the opportunity to accompany individuals or families on their spiritual journeys. Whether it be through celebrating Mass together, conducting baptisms and weddings, anointing of the sick, or providing comfort and solace during times of grief and loss, each opportunity has been a privilege and a source of great fulfillment for me.

Above all, I have been deeply moved by the role I have been able to play in fostering reconciliation within the community, echoing the message of reconciliation that Our Lady of La Salette gave during her apparition. The deeper I delve into my religious vocation, the more I feel a sense of mission and responsibility to continue spreading this message of God’s love and forgiveness to those in need.

As I continue on this sacred path, I am eager to see how my vocation will continue to inform and shape my life and the lives of those around me.

Deacon James “Jim” Krupka

Born: Cleveland, Ohio; 1951
Community: Diocesan
Celebrating: 25 years, ordination
Years of service in Hawaii: 10
Past ministries: Maryknoll Deacon Mission Partners; parish life coordinator and diversified parish ministry in five parishes in Michigan, Hawaii and the United Kingdom
Present ministries: St. Damien of Molokai Church, Kaunakakai; St. Francis of Assisi Church, Traverse City, Michigan
Biography: Deacon Jim currently serves the dioceses of Honolulu and Gaylord, Michigan. His primary ministry focus is general parish life, especially marriage preparation and enrichment. Deacon Jim holds a master of arts theology degree from Saint Meinrad Seminary with 25 years as a permanent deacon. He is the author of several books including “Make Your Marriage Unbreakable” and “Praying the Gospel Through the Rosary.” He writes a weekly column for several parishes.

Deacon Jim was a founding member of the Maryknoll Deacon Mission Partners, serving 12 years as a partner. He has had short-term assignments such as assisting Catholic Relief Services as a strategy adviser. He was invited to address the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the morality of the global economy. He served as president of a network of health clinics dedicated to providing health care to the uninsured or underinsured. He served as an officer, director and general campaign chairman for various United Way entities. He co-founded a local charity focused on using music to mitigate bullying in schools.

Deacon Jim worked for 30 years in the energy industry and later served as CEO of a winery/chateau company. He and his wife of 50 years have five grown children.

Father William Delmo Quiamjot

Born: Zamboanga City, Philippines; 1964
Community: Diocesan
Celebrating: 25 years, ordination (2023)
Years of service in Hawaii: 1.5
Past ministries: Pastor, St. Estanislao Kostka parish, Archdiocese of Zamboanga; seminary formator (holding the roles of spiritual director, vice rector and rector), Pastor Bonus Seminary, Archdiocese of Zamboanga; pastor, Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, Archdiocese of Nassau, Bahamas; pastor, St. Bede Church, Archdiocese of Nassau, Bahamas
Present ministry: Parish administrator, St. Benedict Church, Captain Cook
Reflection: My eight years assigned in the seminary as a formator (spiritual director, vice rector and rector) were really very challenging, not only to teach the seminarians in order to mold their minds but above all to mold their hearts through prayers and spiritual direction, accompanying them in their journey for their vocation to the priesthood. Indeed, my greatest joy was to see the seminarians ordained to the priesthood.

Another journey of my priestly life was when I was sent by my archbishop in the Archdiocese of Nassau, Bahamas. It was my first time on a mission after my eight years in the seminary. It was very challenging considering that I am alone in the parish with a new environment and culture. Good to note that prayers and fellow priests are really of great help for me especially when I am facing hardships and loneliness.

My present assignment now is parish administrator of St. Benedict Painted Church. This is my seventh month in the parish. It is a quiet parish and unique because several times I have celebrated the Holy Eucharist by myself. Nevertheless, I am happy to be here so long as I have my prayer and fellow priests whom I can lean on and talk to. Then, I can continue my journey as parish administrator.

Sister Mari Josephine Panem, RGS

Born: Philippines; 1967
Community: Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
Celebrating: Silver (2023)
Years of service in Hawaii: Five
Present ministry: Family ministry (staying with my parents)
Reflection: Gratitude to our loving God for all the graces He continually bestowed on me. Everything is grace. God’s grace sustained me from the day I said “Yes” to entering religious life and until the day I stepped on the island of Hawaii. Every day is a reminder of faithful shepherding; with His crook and staff I know I will never be astray.

“The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I shall want … and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” — Psalm 23