Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Pastoral ministry can be taxing and challenging. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I take one step at a time. Each day, I focus on what needs to be done, prioritizing tasks as they arise.
Living a life of stewardship means addressing the moment’s needs with diligence and care. Except for tasks that require a trained professional, I make sure that anything I ask of others is something I’m also willing and ready to do — because true leadership is about modeling a life of service and showing that every action should reflect the face of God.
There are nights when I stay up late, driven by my desire to serve the Lord and make his presence known to others. The ministry of presence is essential. No matter how tired or overwhelmed I may feel, I strive to reflect Christ. When I remember this, I realize I cannot afford to be grumpy or impatient — because my attitude can either draw people closer to God or push them away.
At times, I encounter individuals facing personal struggles. Even when something isn’t on my schedule, if a need arises, why miss the opportunity? Ministry is about seizing moments of grace.
If someone sick asks for a blessing after Mass, I offer the sacrament of anointing. If someone inquires about confession, I do it at my earliest convenience. If I get called to visit a sick person, beyond offering anointing, I also provide the sacraments of reconciliation and Communion when appropriate, allowing people to experience the reconciling power and healing love of Christ.
Prayer is not a spare tire that you pull out only when life has gone flat, it is a steering wheel that keeps you on the right path. So, it is crucial to begin the day with prayer.
Whether through the Divine Office, the rosary or quiet mental prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, these are all great ways to start the day. When life gets so busy, even just a well-reflected Our Father serves as a good reminder to worship, to praise, to call upon and to proclaim — not my own name but the Father’s name.
He also always invites me to participate in the building up of his kingdom, not only in heaven but also here on earth. This is not about seeking comfort or personal satisfaction but about establishing his kingdom where the values taught by Christ are lived out.
This, of course, requires following God’s will — a challenge that often demands deep discernment. Discerning God’s will is not always easy. At times, I find myself thinking, “I don’t know what God’s will is right now.” It becomes especially difficult when emotions run high — when I feel down, anxious, sad, upset or angry.
A spiritual adviser once told me during my theology studies, “If you want to know the will of the Father, ask yourself: What is your will right now? What are you prioritizing in this moment?” And according to him, “Often, after examining my own desires — especially during times of heightened emotions — I realize that God’s will is often the opposite of what I initially want. And that is what I must embrace.”
Emotions can lead us astray, making us more susceptible to sin. Therefore, I remind myself to calm down, to be kind, loving, patient, understanding and trusting. Ultimately, I must surrender, saying, “It is finished, Father.”
Father Anthony “Tony” Pangan is from Quezon City in Manila. He is the fourth of six children. This year he celebrates 25 years of ordination.
