The second annual Life Symposium, “Na Mo‘olelo Ola: Living Stories,” 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 17, at the KROC Center in Kapolei will feature speakers on difficult life topics including suicide, human trafficking, death and dying, and homelessness.
The event will address these issues through the lens of Scripture, church teaching, and personal testimonies.
The day will include Mass celebrated by Bishop Larry Silva. He will also give closing remarks.
The symposium is recommended for parents, grandparents, educators, clergy and religious, youth and young adults, ministry leaders, medical professionals and adult laity committed to preserving the sanctity of life.
The keynote speaker is Father Herman Gomes, superior of the U.S. Province of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Other speakers are:
- Joy Yadao, Kuakini Medical Center’s infection prevention specialist and a key resource for matters of infection control and prevention.
- Marc Alexander, the executive director of the Office of Housing for the City and County of Honolulu.
- Daniel Smith-Christopher, professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University and the author of books and articles on scriptural topics and on issues of peace, justice and non-violence.
- Darryl Salvador, a staff psychologist and integrated behavioral health consultant at the U.S. Army Health Clinic – Schofield Barracks Family Medicine Clinic.
- Dallas Carter, a husband, father of four, small business owner, Catholic apologist, national Catholic speaker, and a catechist for the Diocese of Honolulu.
- Sister Celeste “CC” Cabral, a Benedictine Sister from Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Waialua, a certified spiritual director and retreat leader.
Also giving a presentation is Ho‘ola na pua, an Oahu non-profit organization that helps underage female sex trafficked victims.
The symposium is sponsored by the diocesan Respect Life Office, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Hawaii Catholic Conference.
To register: catholichawaii.org/diocesan-offices/respect-life/education/ or call the Respect Life Office at 203-6722. Registration deadline is July 31. The cost is $25. Scholarships are available.
