VIRIDITAS2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“Country roads, take me home, to the place I belong” … (“Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver)
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is my favorite song. I am a member of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, Philippines, from the Sri Lanka Region. I am 21 years professed. This assignment to Hawaii marks the first for our region to send sisters to minister in another country.
How did it all begin? Facebook! My prioress general, Sister Cecilia Espenilla, was looking for a musician for Immaculate Conception Church in Lihue. As I had completed my degree in church ministry, she saw me on Facebook. She then called my regional superior in Sri Lanka to make arrangements for my new mission.
When my regional superior asked me if I would go to Hawaii, I responded in obedience leaving all that was familiar. Country roads taking me far away from my home of Sri Lanka, further into the mission field of the Lord.
I have now been at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lihue for a few months. By the grace of God, I am getting used to the mission here. As the religious education coordinator, I work with catechesis, the youth and music ministry.
I find it easy to relate to the parishioners here as everyone speaks English. Although Hawaii is in a different country, the liturgical way of celebrating the Mass is the same around the world. And even though I have only been here a few months, I feel at home already. The people are very nice and welcoming. Day by day, I learn many new things. Each day is a brand-new day.
Because Hawaii and Sri Lanka are both tropical countries, there are many similarities in terms of weather, landscape and even produce. In regard to the faith, although Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, there are many Catholics and many religious and priests. We are plenty, even if a minority.
My family has been steeped in Catholicism for many generations since when the country was colonized under the Portuguese who brought the Catholic faith to the country. Due to this, there are many Catholic schools in Sri Lanka, and even Buddhists want to put their children in our schools for the fine education offered.
My last place of ministry in Sri Lanka was at the Padre Pio Shrine in Athurugiriya, the only church dedicated to him in the country and in South Asia. At the shrine, we have the relic of his glove. It was a unique experience for me being there. Always praying to him, I have received many favors for my friends.
Coming to Hawaii, I continue to pray to him. And I continue to sing, “Take me home, country roads,” as I keep my eyes on the Lord of my life.
