VIRIDITAS2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Having been ordained for 17 years and professed for 22 years as a member of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, I can say that the gifts of priesthood and consecrated life are the source of my joy and hope. As a priest, I’m still longing for more meaning in life and direction to fulfill my responsibilities. That’s why I’m always praying for perseverance and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I was born in San Mateo, Isabela, ein the Philippines to Amante Arellano and Estrella Castillo; and have one older sister. As a missionary priest in the middle years of life, I sometimes feel like I am a person who has left the safety of the land and is now in the middle of the sea. Sometimes in braving frightening waves, I nervously ask myself, “Why in the first place did I put myself on this journey?” In panic, I ask further: “How can I reach my destination as fast as possible?” Personal challenges and difficulties in ministry often seem insurmountable.
However, I know that I am at the mercy of God. And, God quietly stands beside me; I am not alone.
I have God with me and my brother priests in the La Salette Community and in the Diocese of Honolulu. All of us have our seas to cross. But because we share our love for the priesthood, despite the challenges of those waves that endanger our being better ministers, we always bravely say like Mother Mary: “Be it done to me according to your word.”
For example, church scandals and the loss of trust can get anyone down. Some don’t care about what we do as priests. The good thing is, they are few. Despite the demeaning arrogance and holier-than-thou attitude of the few, I find fulfillment when I see people tirelessly coming to Mass, praying their devotions, and wholeheartedly offering their time, talent and treasure to the community. And most of all, I find fulfillment when I get to see and hear the truth in people’s lives in the sacrament of Reconciliation. I feel honored and privileged when people allow me to hear their struggles, to see their vulnerability, and to be an instrument in their reconciliation with God.
This year marks my 12th year of ministry in the Diocese of Honolulu. My first assignment was at Christ the King Church, Maui, where I met the most respectful and dedicated people. After eight years, I was assigned to the Kula Catholic Community where I met simple, enthusiastic, generous and faithful people. After three short years there, I was asked to be an associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Waipahu. These 12 years were full of learning and blessings that make me thank the Lord every day for calling me to be part of his ministry.
Despite my personal and ministerial difficulties and shortcomings, I continue to be inspired by the words of reconciliation of our blessed Mother when she appeared at La Salette: “Make this message known to all my people. ‘Reconciliation is a living force capable of opening up the future for individuals and people by renewing the bonds which either selfishness or fear have broken or weakened.’”
Father Arellano is a parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Waipahu.
