Sister Celeste “CC” Cabral, second from right, took a photo with the finalists for EPIC Ministry’s Young Adult of the Year award: Meagan “Megs” Buchanan, left, winner Nellani Tabada and Joshua Kapika. (Courtesy EPIC Ministry)
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Benedictine Sister Celeste “CC” Cabral is a familiar face across the diocese — her bright smile, boundless energy and passion for ministry leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
One of the main areas of ministry for Sister Cabral, who in 2020 was named prioress superior of the Benedictine Monastery based in Waialua, is working with youth and young adults. The Kailua native has supported young people both in Hawaii and on the mainland for decades; she has accompanied groups to multiple World Youth Days, ministers to homeschooling families and has spoken at hundreds of retreats and events.
Sister Cabral — better known by many as Sister “CC” — has also served as spiritual director for EPIC Ministry, an organization that provides support, fellowship and service opportunities for Catholic young adults across Hawaii.
EPIC honored Sister Cabral for her many years of ministry and her role in shaping young adult faith communities earlier this month during its annual Christmas banquet at the Hawaii Okinawa Center in Waipio. Sister Cabral received the 2024 EPIC Award for inspiring “countless lives through her dynamic approach to ministry,” the ministry said in a statement.
Also during the Jan. 3 banquet, Nellani Tabada received EPIC’s inaugural Young Adult of the Year award for her exemplary faith, leadership and service. Tabada and award finalists Joshua Kapika and Meagan “Megs” Buchanan were recognized for “showcasing the incredible impact of Catholic young adults in our diocese,” the ministry said.
In an interview with the Hawaii Catholic Herald, Sister Cabral said she was “truly honored” to receive the 2024 EPIC Award.
“It takes a village for one to accept such an honor, not just one person,” she said. “Every single person of God is the recipient of such an honor.”
“EPIC is an amazing ministry and being their first spiritual director from years ago, I have watched these young women and men grow in their Catholic faith.”
Sister Cabral, who was a two-sport athlete at the University of Hawaii and a former Continental Airlines flight attendant before joining the Benedictine order, said that in 2012 she had the opportunity to minister statewide to youth and young adult leaders, which “opened doors for me … (I) was recognized for speaking real and from my heart.”
“It is very, very important to minister to our young people,” she said, “to bring them faith, hope and God’s love — accepting and meeting them right where they are in their lives.”
“Every single young person in this world is not just here on this earth to take up space; God has a designed plan for their lives. I am here to support, love, encourage them, pray with them and be their spiritual sister in Christ.”
