The Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines’ residence is in Waipio. (Jennifer Rector / Hawaii Catholic Herald)
By Jennifer Rector
Hawaii Catholic Herald
The Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines are returning home for the order’s centennial celebration this summer, and the faithful in Hawaii are invited to join the festivities.
Eighteen sisters who serve in the U.S. — from Hawaii to California to Texas — will travel to the Philippines in July for the multiday event.
“It will be a five-day celebration,” said Dominican Sister Delia Obenza, superior of the Hawaii region.
The celebration will be included in a 12-day pilgrimage from July 20-31 that still has openings for people who would like to take part.
The centennial events will include a sisters’ day; an ohana day; a day for benefactors and friends; an appreciation day for teachers, faculty and workers in parishes and schools; and a thanksgiving day for all.
Bishop Larry Silva was personally invited to join in the festivities with Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila, and “to encounter the UNESCO Heritage Miagao Church,” according to Deacon Mike Browning of St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church in Mililani.
“The Dominican Sisters of the (Most) Holy Rosary have served us in the Diocese of Honolulu for over 60 years, and we are very grateful to them for the many students they have enlightened and educated in our schools,” Bishop Silva said. “I want to honor them as they celebrate the centennial of their founding in Iloilo.”
“Our pilgrimage will take us to the island of Iloilo, historic Cebu, Manila, Batangas and Tagaytay, with the land and air package provided by Nativity Pilgrimage,” said Deacon Browning, who is organizing the trip. “We are limited on how many can join us for this special pilgrimage and there are approximately 30 seats remaining.”
The trip also aligns with the 2025 Jubilee Year theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
“It is coincidental that this pilgrimage to the Philippines is tied to the Jubilee Year of 2025, but we are also going to Cebu,” Bishop Silva said. “I was supposed to go there with a pilgrimage group several years ago to celebrate 500 years of the Catholic faith in the Philippines, but the pandemic made such travel impossible.
“It is fitting that this Jubilee Year will allow us the opportunity to remember that important jubilee for the Philippines in our visit to the shrine of the Santo Nino de Cebu.”
Bishop Silva said he hopes the journey will bear fruit in the lives of the pilgrims.
“I pray that we will be renewed in our own faith as we recall the dedication and love of the Dominican Sisters; that we will be more motivated to encourage vocations to the religious life, diaconate and priesthood; and that we will be able to better appreciate the richness of Filipino culture, which has been such a blessing to us in Hawaii,” said Bishop Silva.
The Dominican Sisters were asked to come to Hawaii in 1964 under the direction of Bishop James J. Sweeney to assist in Catholic school education.
That brought the sisters
to St. Elizabeth School in Aiea, and they now also operate Rosary Preschool in Waipio.
“I am so proud and thankful to have this vocation with the mission of education. It is always a joy to be with my religious sisters and celebrate,” Sister Obenza said.
It’s been nearly three years since the sisters in Hawaii have returned home.
“Right now, I am so excited to go back to the motherhouse and celebrate this milestone in our congregation,” Sister Obenza said. “It is a great blessing to be part of the 100-year history of our congregation.”
Part of her excitement is also being able to visit her family and for a special intention in her heart.
“I pray that during this 100-year celebration in our congregation, coinciding with the jubilee of the church, I may grow stronger in my virtues and advance in holiness,” Sister Obenza said. “My prayer is also for our entire congregation, that we may strive more for holiness and, in doing so, bring many people to the faith.”
The pilgrimage is also significant for Deacon Browning since he will be visiting his wife’s home country for the first time — a desire of his for many years.
“The personal invitation from the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary is a tremendous blessing and unique opportunity to accompany our pilgrims into a deeper encounter with our Lord Jesus and the life of the church in the Philippines,” said Deacon Browning.
“I would like to encourage pilgrims to come with us and to experience these days of deepening our faith and our appreciation of Filipino culture,” said Bishop Silva.
The pilgrimage costs $3,999 per person flying from Honolulu. An informational meeting will take place March 22 at 10 a.m. at St. John Apostle and Evangelist’s One Community Center.
For more information, go to travel.nativitypilgrimage.com/np4375.
Join Bishop Silva for October trip to Italy
In another celebration of the Jubilee Year, people are invited to travel to Italy this fall with Bishop Larry Silva on an 11-day “Shrines of Italy” pilgrimage.
From Oct. 12-22, pilgrims will travel to Rome, Orvieto, Siena and Vinci, visiting basilicas and other holy sites with Bishop Silva. Highlights include attending the weekly papal audience with Pope Francis and witnessing the Holy Door, Mass in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, touring Siena’s Basilica San Domenico (where the relics of St. Catherine of Siena are kept) and more.
The cost per person for travel from Honolulu is $5,590. There is also pricing available if people prefer to arrange their own travel and cover land-only fees.
For more information, visit pilgrimage coordinator Nativity Pilgrimage at app.nativitypilgrimage.com/trip/?trip=94277.
