Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
In today’s world, poverty and vulnerability are not always visible. While some struggle with material deprivation, others experience a deeper, often hidden poverty, the loneliness of the heart, a longing to be heard, and a desire for genuine human connection. As people of faith, we are called to recognize and respond to both.
Through the ministry of the Youth and Vocation Team of Pacific USA, we were given the opportunity to visit parishes run by members of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary across Honolulu and speak at 19 Masses, reaching over 1,000 people.
Our mission was to promote religious vocations, invite the faithful to pray for vocations and encourage the establishment of vocation promotion ministries within the parishes. Yet beyond these goals, something more profound unfolded.
During this mission, I encountered many individuals who revealed a different kind of vulnerability. Some were financially secure yet inwardly burdened by loneliness. They were searching for someone to listen to, someone to understand, someone to simply be present with them. Their lives reminded me that wealth cannot replace the human need for connection, compassion and belonging.
These encounters became moments of grace. They opened my eyes to a truth I sometimes overlook: The poor and vulnerable are not only those lacking material resources, but also those who are emotionally and spiritually in need. To reach out to them requires more than programs or words; it calls for presence, patience and a listening heart.
As Sacred Hearts sisters, we are known for our charism of compassion. This is not just an identity, but a mission. We are invited to step beyond our routines, to notice those who are often unseen and to create spaces where people feel heard and valued. A simple conversation, a moment of attentive listening or a gesture of kindness can become a powerful sign of God’s love.
Reaching out to the poor and vulnerable, therefore, is not an occasional act but a way of life. It challenges me to be more attentive, more available and more open to the realities of others. It reminds me that true service is rooted in relationships and that every person I meet carries a story that deserves to be heard.
In a world that often moves too fast and values productivity over presence, we are called to slow down and accompany. Whether in the crowded parish or in quiet personal encounters, the invitation remains the same: to be there for one another, to listen deeply and to love generously. In doing so, we not only serve others — we become witnesses to the compassionate heart of God, reaching out to all, especially the poor and the vulnerable. Let’s create spaces where people feel safe to share, where they feel valued, and where they know they are not alone. Because in the end, what people often need most is not advice or solutions — but connection.
Sacred Hearts Sister Vandana Narayan is a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. She is 24 years professed and ministers at Malia O Ka Malu Community in Kaimuki.