“God, our Father, guide of humanity and ruler of creation, look upon these your servants, who wish to confirm their offering of themselves to you. As the years pass by, help them to enter more deeply into the mystery of the church and to dedicate themselves more generously to the good of humanity.”

 

Celebrating lives of discipleship

The Catholic Church in Hawaii honors these women and men who have given themselves to God and humanity, in vow and in sacrament, as they celebrate the anniversaries of their discipleship. Please join Bishop Larry Silva and Hawaii’s jubilarians in a Mass and Jubilee Celebration for Clergy and Religious, 10:30 a.m., May 3, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu.

The profiles in the following pages were compiled by the diocesan Office of Worship from submissions by the jubilarians.

70

years profession

Sister Mary Dolorine (Lucy Theresa) Pires, SSCC

• Birth date: July 8, 1920
• Birthplace: Paia, Maui
• Religious order: Congregation of the Sacred Hearts
• Past ministries: eucharistic adoration and intercessory prayer; teaching, Sacred Hearts Academy, Rome; presenter, on various topics including St. Damien and Hawaii Catholic Church history; editor; translator
• Present ministry: eucharistic adoration and intercessory prayer; teacher of Sacred Hearts novices; listening, communication with people needing a kind word; reflecting on the goodness of God in daily life, “Being the Heart of Jesus in and for the world.”
• Reflection: MAHALO! Our good God, my Congregation, relatives and friends have truly blessed me. I owe my religious vocation to the inspiration and prayers of many, especially my saintly mother’s. From my earliest years, I dreamt of becoming a foreign missionary (and even a Carmelite!). However, as a high school boarder at Sacred Hearts Academy, I saw the sisters keeping perpetual eucharistic adoration, and realized that God wanted me to join them. Along with elementary classes in then “small town Maui,” I have been given a “no ka oi” education, including post-doctoral studies. Serving in Rome, Italy, for 24-and-a-half years facilitated my worldwide traveling. At home and overseas, my Congregation’s involvement in education fostered my ministries of teaching and writing. My twin passions! For these many graces, especially for God’s call, I sing a joyous jubilee song — “GRAZIE MILLE!” A THOUSAND THANKS!

60

years profession

Sister Catherine Anthony Acain, CSJ

• Birth date: June 19, 1935
• Birthplace: Hamakuapoko, Maui
• Religious order: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
• Past ministries: teacher, Santa Clara Parish School, Oxnard, Calif.
• Present ministry: religious education teacher, eucharistic minister, Christ the King Parish, Maui.
• Reflection: Sister Catherine was the fifth of 12 children. Her sister Julia, who died last year, also entered religious life as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Sister Catherine often reflects on the joy experienced while she worked with teaching children over the years. In thanksgiving to God for the many blessings received throughout her life, she is especially thankful for the Carondelet community, her family, friends, and the spiritual growth witnessed.

Brother Liam Nolan, CFC

• Birth date: April 13, 1939
• Birthplace: Ireland
• Religious order: Congregation of Christian Brothers
• Arrived in Hawaii: 1998
• Years of service here: 16 years
• Past ministries: Teacher, administrator, religious superior
• Present Ministry: School counselor
• Reflection: I was brought up in a traditional Irish Catholic home where the family rosary was recited every night. I was educated and influenced by the Christian Brothers who invited me to join the Congregation. I was involved in primary and secondary education in Ireland before coming to Hawaii. Working in multicultural Hawaii has been very enriching for me and the friendly and family-based lifestyle here is very similar to the Ireland I grew up in. Being present in Rome at the beatification of our founder Blessed Edmund Rice, and the canonization of the patron of our school Father Damien, have been two highlights of my religious life, and the young men and women in Damien School are a joy to work with.

Sister Grace Marie Tom, SSCC

• Birth date: June 1, 1934
• Birthplace: Honolulu
• Religious order: Sisters of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
• Years of service here: 33 years
• Reflection: Gratias Infinitas … a much-loved hymn in our congregation speaks volumes for me as I celebrate 60 diamond years as a Sister of the Sacred Hearts. Never could I have imagined my future in 1952, the year I graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy and joined the sisters! Gratias Infinitas … for loving non-Catholic parents, Grace and K.C. Tom who welcomed me their first-born and naturally named me June. Three siblings followed and a fourth one after my entrance — she, a gift of God to replace me. Gratias Infinitas … for formative years spent in lush and beautiful Sacred Hearts Convent, Nuuanu, and various ministries assigned — community coordinator, provincial secretary, classroom teacher, high school librarian, etc. Gratias Infinitas … for the call to serve in the mission field; first to Japan, 1987-1996; then to India where I am now, simply to be among the people, witnessing to my life as a Christian, as a religious, teaching English, carrying on household responsibilities, etc. Gratias Infinitas … for a lifetime of good physical health and a joyful and grace-filled vocation in the Sacred Hearts family as I daily strive to contemplate, live and announce to the world God’s redeeming love and thus give honor and glory to the Sacred Hearts! To all who have been part of my life with their love, support and prayers, I sincerely say: Thank you and God bless!

50

years profession

Sister Teresita Constantino, OP

• Birth date: May 23, 1942
• Birthplace: Bacolod City, Philippines
• Religious order: Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary, Philippines
• Year arrived in Hawaii: 1968
• Years of service here: 39
• Past ministries: teacher, St. Joseph School, Makawao; St. Catherine, Kapaa; Holy Cross School, Kalaheo; St. Finn Barr, San Francisco; St John the Baptist School, Kalihi
• Present Ministries: caregiver, House of Aloha; eucharistic minister; lector, Sacred Heart Church, Waianae
• Reflection: “To live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” This Scripture passage is my guiding principle as I have journeyed for 50 years in religious life. I have been blessed and graced by a loving God to be assigned in the Hawaiian Islands to serve his people, particularly the young ones. It is a privilege and opportunity to walk with them and to be a part of their lives. It has enriched and has given me joy to see them live successfully in their profession and in following the way of Jesus. I am grateful to our generous and faithful God who sustains me to overcome the difficulties that I have encountered of my ministry; to my congregation, family, relatives, benefactors and friends for their support, understanding and love.

Sister Mary Priscilla Enarsao, OP

• Birth date: Dec. 11, 1937
• Birthplace: Igbaras, Iloilo, Philippines
• Religious order: Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary, Philippines
• Arrived in Hawaii: 1969
• Years of service here: 44
• Past ministries: educator
• Present ministry: educator
• Reflection: Since childhood I have had a growing devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Praying the rosary every night with my family developed my desire to become a religious. My mother was unwilling to grant me permission to enter the convent but my sister, who was a religious of the Assumption Sisters, was able to convince her. I entered the convent of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines, for I was inspired by their prayer life, love for the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the rosary and their simplicity of life. After my profession the congregation sent me to Hawaii as a religious educator. Adjusting to a different culture and environment is quite a challenge, but God is always there for me, and those whom I work with are very supportive. Working with young children is a rewarding and joyful experience. Thank you, God, for being with me on my life’s journey.

Also 25 years ordination

Father Bertram K.L. Lock, SSCC

• Birth Date: Sept. 21, 1943
• Birthplace: Honolulu
• Religious Order: Congregation of the Sacred Hearts
• Past ministries: professed lay brother, vocations director, assigned to the congregation’s formation programs for seminarians and lay brothers
• Present Ministry: Parochial vicar, St. Patrick Church and School in Kaimuki
• Reflection: In celebrating these wonderful occasions, I am very grateful to God, my superiors, the brothers and sisters of the Sacred Hearts Community, my parents and family ohana, friends and the many parishioners where I have been assigned: St. Ann, Kaneohe; St. Augustine, Waikiki; St. Michael and Sts. Peter & Paul, Waialua and Waimea Bay; and St. Patrick, Kaimuki. All their prayers and friendships have been a blessing and a joy. In priesthood, I have found happiness in ministering two sacraments: Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick. In Reconciliation, I have experienced God’s grace and love in the healing and forgiveness of God’s people changing their lives to a road to holiness. In the Anointing of the Sick, God’s people are given the opportunity to renew their trust in God’s will. Finally, prayer and humility help one’s soul and laughter helps one’s emotions to live a full life.

Sister Carol Reichert, SHF

• Birth date: Nov. 6, 1946
• Birthplace: Red Bluff, Calif.
• Religious order: Sisters of the Holy Family
• Arrived in Hawaii: 2006
• Years of service here: 8
• Past ministries: parish religious education, San Francisco Bay Area, Utah and Alaska; adult religious education, RCIA, California, Kentucky; motherhouse coordinator, Kentucky Dominicans’ Motherhouse; parish pastoral associate, rural ministry consultant, Archdiocese of Louisville
• Present ministry: Moved to Kauai to care for her aging parents. Part-time parish receptionist/secretary at St. Raphael, Koloa. Father died in 2009; main occupation is caring for her mother, 94. Participant, Kauai Task Forces for Domestic Violence and Suicide Prevention/Awareness
• Reflection: I was born and raised mainly in far northern California, and first encountered the congregation I belong to — Sisters of the Holy Family — in seventh grade in a small parish outside Sacramento. The sisters were engaged in parish religious education ministry and prepared me for the sacrament of Confirmation. I’ve always remembered their kindness. (The good candy treats were great, too!) Some years later as a high school senior in another town, when I was seriously considering entering religious life, I was reminded of my earlier Holy Family experience. After exploring the order further, it seemed this was where God was calling me to enter. They accepted me and thus began the journey of people and ministry described above. Fifty years later, I can say it was the right choice! Over the years, God has provided me with significant people and places to contribute to my spiritual formation and growth, for which I am very grateful. I am also appreciative of dear, supportive friends in my congregation, as well as friendships formed over the years with lay persons and members of other religious congregations.

Sister Mary Benedicta P. Sanchez, OP

• Birth date: Nov. 14, 1936
• Birthplace: Manapla, Negros Occidental, Philippines
• Religious Order: Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines
• Year arrived in Hawaii: 1969
• Years of service here: 33 years
• Past ministries: teaching
• Present ministry: working in the care home
• Reflection: “Service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives.” (Romans 12:5) Teaching is a tough and challenging ministry, especially nowadays. Dealing with children of different backgrounds and personalities is enough to drive you crazy at the end of the day. Yet it is a joy and rewarding watching them grow in wisdom and knowledge, especially when you see them being successful in their profession. Sometimes you will just be surprised when you meet them, thanking you for what they are now, because of you. In the end, all these challenges were not in vain. Thank you lord, for being with me all the way. Without you, I would not have been able to make it through these years.

Sister Ma. Bernarda Sindol, OP

• Birth date: Dec. 15, 1942
• Birthplace: Iloilo, Philippines
• Religious order: Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary, Philippines
• Arrived in Hawaii: 1968
• Years of service here: 42 in Hawaii and four in the Archdiocese of San Francisco
• Past ministries: Principal, St. Joseph School, Maui; St. John the Baptist, Kalihi; St. Elizabeth School, Aiea; St. Finn Barr School, San Francisco
• Present ministry: Principal, St. Elizabeth School, Aiea, 12 years
• Reflection: I am the youngest of six children of rice farmers. My father passed away at an early age leaving mom with six children to feed, clothe and educate. When I first met the Dominican Sisters in my third grade catechism class, I was fascinated with their habit and their whole bearing as young nuns. I told my mother, “I would like to be one of them.” But school was not really a priority since I was trained to work in the farm and that was my whole world. After several years in and out of school, I finally graduated from high school at age 19. The happiest moment of my life came when my mother gave me her blessing to enter the convent of the Dominican Sisters of Molo, Iloilo, where my older sister was already professed. Religious life has its own twists and turns especially in living the vow of obedience. My biggest challenge was to go back to school for a college degree — in education of all things. Two weeks before receiving that most coveted college diploma, mother general asked me to pack my bags for Hawaii. One year later, she assigned me as principal of St. Joseph School on Maui. Forty-five years later, I am still a principal.

50

years ordination

Father Gordon Combs, OFM Cap

• Birth date: April 15, 1937
• Birthplace: Yonkers, New York
• Religious order: Capuchin Franciscans
• Jubilee Year: 50, ordination
• Year Arrived in Hawaii: 1989
• Years of service here: 25
• Past ministries: parish, teaching, health care
• Present ministry: retired, supply priest at Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
• Reflection: After ordination I was assigned to the Capuchin Japan Mission in Okinawa where I did parish and teaching ministry for 12 years. I transferred to the Marianas Mission where I also did parish and teaching ministry for 13 years. These past 25 years I have been involved in parish, teaching and Catholic health care ministry in this diocese. I have lived on three beautiful Pacific Islands these past 50 years: Okinawa, Guam and Oahu. Years ago, one of my classmates suggested that we go on a cruise to celebrate our jubilee. The friar who made the suggestion had lived, serving in ministry, in our New York City parishes for years; whereas I had been enjoying island living and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean for the same amount of time. I voted against the suggestion. I thank God for the blessing of living and serving on these three beautiful islands, supported by faith-filled, generous, loving people who, as volunteers, did all the work and I got all the credit.

25

years profession

Brother Salvador J. Yanzon, SSS

• Birth date: Nov. 27, 1957
• Birthplace: Legazpi City, Philippines
• Religious order: Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
• Jubilee year: 25, profession
• Arrived in Hawaii: 2007
• Past ministries: Parish, community and provincial treasurer; parish ministry; community hospitality and service management; student dorm director at La Salle University
• Present ministry: pastoral ministry, Star of the Sea Parish, Honolulu
• Reflection: I am very grateful to God for calling me to the religious life as a member of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. As a religious brother, “our ideal is to live the mystery of the Eucharist fully and to make known its meaning so that Christ’s reign may come and the glory of God be revealed to the world.” I try to live our mission by carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to me, handling the temporal goods of our community, helping in our pastoral activities, and most of all by my witness of praying before the Blessed Sacrament. Serving God and helping people gives me a sense of fulfillment and joy. It makes my life more meaningful. Celebrating my 25th year as a Sacramentino Religious Brother is a graced moment that I will forever treasure. My own strengths and weaknesses as a Sacramentino draws inspiration from the transforming power of our Eucharistic Lord. My struggles and hopes to bring out the best in me recapture the vision and spirit of our founder, St. Peter Julian Eymard, in setting ablaze the Eucharist fire in all corners of the world. As your Sacramenetino Brother, I have come to realize that being in a foreign mission doing the work of evangelization is not just an inner work but an inner journey where I recognize Christ’s presence in each one of you.