Sister Rosalinda Barrozo and Father Larry Fisher. (Photo courtesy of Pacita Baron)
By Pacita Baron
Special to the Herald
The Oahu Council of Filipino Catholic Clubs honored two longtime spiritual directors at a special Christmas testimonial dinner Dec. 28.
The program included the installation of new council officers and committee chairpersons and presentations of the Father Ernest Claes Award and the Longest Member Service Award.
Receiving special recognition were Father Larry Fisher, the spiritual director of Our Lady of Sorrows Filipino Catholic Club for 17 years while pastor and present spiritual director of the Oahu Council, and Maryknoll Sister Rosalinda Barrozo, the assistant spiritual director for both the Diocesan Congress and the Oahu Council of the Filipino Catholic Clubs.
As spiritual director at Our Lady of Sorrows, Father Fisher never missed a meeting, providing his ideas, advice and guidance. His diligence and tenacity were much appreciated. He was always willing to anoint a sick person, whether that person was a member or not, no matter how late it was or how far he had to drive. He serves God and neighbor with love, peace and joy. He inspires club members to have strength to perpetuate our cultural faith in God.
Sister Rosalinda’s advice, positive critiques and guidance have helped the organization to be active and alive in its mission. She encourages members to invite and evangelize others so that nobody is lost in the path toward God’s Kingdom. As a Catholic Charities Hawaii staffer, she has the expertise to help our organization identify solutions to difficult problems. She inspires members to reach out to youth and to pass the faith and culture to them.
The dinner was graced with two delicious young, tender, crispy roasted pigs (lechon), among other sumptuous delicacies. The entertainment included fabulous folk dancing by the St. Anthony FCC, songs by Elvis Panabang of the St. Theresa Co-Cathedral FCC, line dancing, and Christmas carols sung by everyone.
The talented mistress of ceremonies Evelyn Llamas added joy and much humor to the event with jokes about absent guests, St. Anthony’s talent for finding things, and other topical subjects.
In tribute to the two FCC spiritual directors, as well as all past and present spiritual directors in parishes across the state, everyone joined in the well-known Filipino ballad “Dahil Sa Iyo,” which means “Because of You.” It was a fitting song since they are always there to guide Filipino Catholic Club members toward doing God’s will. We extend our sincerest gratitude to them. May God always look upon them kindly.
