The Dominican Sisters comprised the choir for their celebration Mass June 22 at Resurrection of the Lord Church in Waipio.
By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
The mood in Waipio was light and joyful last month as the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Hawaii region with a special Mass at Resurrection of the Lord Church.
Bishop Larry Silva presided at the June 22 Mass, joined by 16 priests from across the diocese, several deacons and a special guest: retired Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, metropolitan archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, Philippines.
Religious women from other orders were also on hand as the Dominican Sisters marked six decades of their presence in Hawaii, a mission that’s expanded to other Pacific islands as well as California, Texas, Minnesota and Arizona.
The Mass included several touches unique to Hawaii, such as an oli (Hawaiian chant) by Dominican Sister Malia Dominica Wong and a reflection hula after Communion by Sister Wong and Maryknoll Sister Yoo Soo Kim.
Dominican Sister Malia Dominica Wong, left, and Maryknoll Sister Yoo Soo Kim performed a reflection hula after Communion. (Photos by Celia K. Downes / Hawaii Catholic Herald)
Two sisters also marked their jubilees in a recommitment ceremony: Sister Bernarda Sindol, celebrating 60 years, and Sister Teresa Ebanen, celebrating 50 years.
In his homily, Bishop Silva noted how the Dominican order sets an example for others through actions, not words.
“(The sisters) have so effectively brought life to the gospel of Jesus Christ because they have put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” he said. “In classrooms, in parish ministries, in caring for the elderly and in their obvious joy, they have preached sermons that are not for publication but that have truly turned hearts to the love of the Lord Jesus.”
“Each sister of course has her own gifts and talents which she has shared with countless others. But one of their greatest strengths is their witness as a community, as true sisters of one another and of us all,” Bishop Silva said.
He also highlighted the sisters’ devotion to their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, as well as the special impact they have in classrooms: “The real effectiveness of their teaching is their daily humble service filled with joy as the dear friends of Jesus himself.”
The day’s celebration concluded with a gala dinner in Waikiki.
