From left, David Suzuki, Preston Medeiros, Monica Cobb-Adams and Easter Almuena make their pledge as Pauline Cooperators with presider Msgr. Gary Secor at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Sept. 4, 2016. (Courtesy photo)
This article was submitted by the Pauline Cooperators in Hawaii
The Association of Pauline Cooperators, a lay branch of the Pauline Family which also includes Hawaii’s Daughters of St. Paul, was founded on June 30, 1917, by Blessed James Alberione. It enters its centennial year this month.
The life of the Pauline Cooperator has two main components: two years of formation centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life, the teachings of Saint Paul, and under the gaze of Mary, Queen of Apostles; and collaboration with the Pauline apostolate according to their vocation.
For some cooperators, this means prayers and direct support for the various branches of the Pauline Family. The cooperators take the Gospel and the Pauline Charism out into the world by their very presence, bringing the love of Jesus to the community, family and work. They do this by using all the various means of communication and technology as envisioned by Blessed Alberione as the media apostolate.
There are hundreds of Pauline Cooperators around the world; Hawaii has four. Here are their reflections on their role:
Preston Medeiros: “Being a Pauline Cooperator has been a rich blessing. The Pauline Charism has given me a humble confidence to share the Gospel and teachings of St. Paul wherever I go and whomever I encounter daily. My greatest joy has been to witness the conversion of one of my coworkers from atheist to joining RCIA after many hours of simple talks and friendship. Being a Pauline Cooperator has given me the tools I need to deepen my prayer life, live the Gospel in the temporal world, and to share the Christian spirit through various forms of media.”
David Suzuki: “I have learned from the Daughters of St. Paul to spend time with Christ in the sanctuary. That time lessens the anxieties of life. I learned the basic formula of prayer: focus on Jesus, read the Scripture or writings on spiritual growth, examine my conscious, pray beautiful prayers from our prayer book, and ask for help and guidance. This better prepares me to spread the Word when the time comes. As I may not be able to “go out” and spread the Word as much as I hope to, I can still be a part of the evangelization outside of church. Joining the Pauline family allows me to partner with the Daughters of St. Paul to support their apostolic mission here in Hawaii.”
Monica Cobb-Adams: “My encounters with the Daughter of St. Paul sisters and fellow Pauline Cooperators on a regular basis remind me of the love Christ has for us, and that really makes me joyful. When I found out that by virtue of baptism I was called to spread the Good News, I felt strongly the call to do so. I understood that I could share Christ with others by showing Christ’s smile, his helping hands and his encouraging words. I witness how Christ is working through my fellow cooperators, each having their own special gifts and talents. I experience God’s love and kindness through them. As a daycare provider I see it as a gift from God. Interacting with the little children daily I see their innocence and unconditional love.”
Easter Almuena: “Journeying with the Daughters of St. Paul and fellow cooperators is a reminder of the finer things in life: holiness, purity and love of learning. The sisters’ devotion to their calling encourages me to be faithful to my primary vocation: wife and mother. First things first: Eucharist and adoration/prayer — it’s the beautiful way of being sustained spiritually by Jesus, the greatest teacher and evangelizer. Our monthly meetings with the sisters equip us to share with the community the wonders of God’s love and his Word.”
During the centennial celebration, June 29, 2017-June 30, 2018, the Pauline Cooperators with Daughters of St. Paul Sister Joane Caritas and Sister Diane Kraus will visit parishes around the state to share the Pauline spirit.
