Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I am so grateful to have been assigned to Hawaii and to have the opportunity to work with children, teaching catechesis. I truly enjoy my apostolate here.
This is my first mission outside of the Philippines and my first experience in parish work. Professionally, I am a teacher, but within our congregation, I have always been assigned as the treasurer of the school, working in finances. Parish work is new to me, but I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly.
When my general superior informed me, “Be ready. You will be assigned to Hawaii,” I responded, “I am speechless, Mother.”
At the time, I wasn’t particularly excited because the school I was working at in the Philippines was preparing for accreditation. My mind was preoccupied with schoolwork, so I didn’t dwell on leaving. When the secretary general began processing my papers, I felt like a robot, simply following instructions. I wasn’t excited or upset; I didn’t feel much of anything.
It wasn’t until I boarded the plane that I began to reflect on the journey ahead: who would be in my community, and what it would be like to work in a parish for the first time.
Upon arriving in Hawaii, I immediately fell in love with the place. The parish community was so welcoming, I felt like I had been there for a long time. The people are incredibly kind and sensitive to my needs, always asking, “Sister, how are you?” “Have you eaten breakfast?” “Are you adjusting well?” They even encouraged me to rest if I seemed tired. Their warmth made it easy for me to adapt to this new chapter of my life.
My role here involves teaching catechesis to children in kindergarten through fifth grade and coordinating with the catechists. I work alongside Sister Sudarshi Liyanage, who manages the young adult and music ministries. Our Edge and Life Teen classes are often combined, allowing us to collaborate closely, which has been a blessing.
I was also familiar with Sister Gloria Camitan, as we had been in community together before, making the transition even smoother.
Of course, life isn’t always easy. During times when I feel exhausted or face challenges, I turn to prayer. I use mantras in my prayers, reminding myself that God goes ahead of me. I often pray, “Go ahead of me, Lord. I don’t know what lies ahead, but you are there.” I am constantly thankful for God’s love and mercy. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t be here today.
I later heard that the school I was last assigned to successfully passed its accreditation. When the sisters called to share the good news, they teased me, saying that it was my tears that helped them pass. I admit, during my interview with the accreditor, I answered with my heart, not my mind, and tears welled up in my eyes.
That was a difficult time, but God’s love carried me through. He continues to guide me here in Hawaii, where I find myself growing each day in this beautiful mission.
Sister Marina Gutierrez is six years professed. She is the fourth of several siblings born in southern Luzon. She is the director of religious education at Immaculate Conception Church in Lihue, Kauai.
