VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I always wanted to be a priest. When I was in the Philippines, most of the priests around were Maryknoll Fathers. We did not have a local clergy then. The Maryknoll Fathers were very active, visible missionaries who built up the faithful through their work across numerous churches and schools. In particular, I remember Maryknoll Bishop Joseph Regan who always took the time to visit my parish. He was instrumental in inspiring my vocation. Through the sacramental example of the Maryknoll priests, along with the Maryknoll Sisters and later, the Dominican Sisters working in our parishes and schools, today we have many vocations. Now, I am here in Hawaii to inspire others.
My mother is from Kohala on the Big Island. She got married in the Philippines and had 10 children before returning to Hawaii. I was baptized at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ewa. Fast forward, I became a priest of the Diocese of Tagum in the Philippines. My life as a missionary priest to Hawaii began in 1995 when I was hired by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo to work with the Filipino ministries. That year was followed by 13 years of work on the Big Island as administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Honokaa, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Kona, and St. Benedict Parish in Honaunau. I then returned to the Philippines. Recently having found out that all my family now lives in Hawaii, I came back. The Diocese of Honolulu is now my family, my home diocese.
I am happy to serve here. In the Philippines, there are so many Masses to be offered that priests are always too active. Here, Saturday and Sundays are, of course, always busy. But the other days of the week afford much quality time for prayer and reflection. In my spiritual practice, the biggest strength is to reflect with the people. I want to make sure that every sacrament I celebrate is a part of my personal life. In living this encounter with Christ, there is a personal touch with the people I have been called to minister to. In Hawaii I am blessed with plenty of quiet time which I consciously use to reflect on the Lord and to deepen my relationship with him. By taking the quiet time afforded, I have become stronger in my priesthood.
This personal relationship is supplemented with home study. I like to read the Bible and reflect on the Scriptures. Each day, I spend some time reviewing the daily readings in preparation for Mass. One of my favorite parables to reflect upon is that of the prodigal son. This is the same message imparted to us by Pope Francis — the message of God’s love and compassion, love and mercy. It is the love and mercy of the Father, God our Father.
Father Anastacio “Jun” Postrano was incardinated in the Diocese of Honolulu on March 17, 2016. He is 32 years ordained and the administrator of St. Roch Parish in Kahuku and St. Joachim Mission in Punaluu.
