Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I have always considered myself a cradle Catholic. However, it wasn’t until my early high school years that I really started to look into my faith.
I attended a public school. At the school, I didn’t really feel that it was a safe place where I could worship. I told my parents that I wanted to go to a place where I could be myself and share my faith with others. My parents then decided to move some money around to help me in my decision and send me to a Catholic school.
Prompting my decision was the feeling that if I stayed in the environment I was in, I would continue to make poor and bad decisions that were hurting and affecting others. I really was looking at myself and asking, “Is this the life I want to lead in the future?” I remember just sitting and asking God, “Is this really for me? Is this the path I want to be on?” “No,” I felt God say.
One day, when I was helping lead a high school retreat, we had everyone lie down and rest. We played some soft instrumental music and asked everyone to reflect on their lives. During that time, I felt the Holy Spirit coming through me. I felt the dove spread its wings and say, “Hey, I got you covered.”
It was an emotional moment of, “Wow. Holy cow! God is real. Jesus is alive.” I call this my coming to Jesus moment.
Everyone has their coming to Jesus moment. You don’t have to have a super-religious background if you want to have a relationship with God. It only requires you to be open to a transformative experience in your life for God to come and touch your heart.
Coming to a Catholic school, built upon a foundation of faith and values, definitely helps in growing my faith. As a Marianist institution, Chaminade University’s first focus has always been on educating the person, not evangelization.
The people I have met on campus have become the backbone in my day-to-day-life. When I don’t feel well, or I feel that I need some spiritual direction, I look to those closest to me to help me through. Eucharistic adoration and going to Mass are also privileges enjoyed here that are such a beautiful part of my day.
Anytime that I can, I get really excited and say, “Let’s dress up. Let’s dress up for the Lord. Let’s get excited.” I sing really loud at Mass as it was one of the great gifts that I was given. It is one of my favorite things to be able to sing Catholic hymns in God’s house. And just remembering that this place, here at Chaminade, and at other places around the island are all just the majesty of God’s work.
Noelani is from Waipio Gentry. She has a younger brother studying on the mainland. She is a fourth-year student at Chaminade University pursuing a major in communications with an emphasis in integrated marketing and a minor in sport and event management. She also works in the Office of Admissions as the senior student ambassador.
