Since childhood, I had a great appreciation of God’s grace. That is the reason why I followed the call to enter the priesthood. We did not have regular priests around when I was growing up due to the persecutions in the country. Once or twice a year, a priest might pass by to celebrate the Mass; otherwise, we had communion services. However, every year my family would make the long journey by train, which took about 24 hours, to Xian to celebrate Epiphany. One year, the priest said to me, “Paul, you will make a good priest.” I was only 12 then. I said, “A priest? No way.” Even though I denied it, it was an awakening call from the Lord. When I talked to my parents, my father also said, “No, you are too young.”
But this seed kept growing in my heart. Deep within, I kept thinking of my life. Compared to others who were struggling under the stress and hardships of the political environment, I still had faith. As my family kept gathering together, we could really feel how the power of unity strengthened us and helped us to grow in our faith.
Whenever a priest did visit, I was usually asked to accompany him, as I was the local. As we went out to the different villages I could see the people’s hunger for the Lord. They followed us. Every day we had about five to six Masses. For some of the faithful, it may have been 30-40 years since they last saw a priest. Their faith was kept alive because of the faith of others. Even my grandparents and parents were baptized by a lay person. Seeing their faith encouraged me to ask, “How can I help others?” I really feel God has poured his special grace on us and I am grateful.
In the different parishes I have served, especially here in Kahuku, I have felt more served by the parishioners — by their love, encouragement and involvement in the parish. They have taught me more than I taught them. What I want to give them is the joy of the priesthood. There is too much suffering in the world. When we come to church we should at least enjoy the moment. I want people to come to church as a place where they can find hope, peace, joy, unity, family. Don’t spend too much time crying, life is too short. There are only so many hours in the sunlight and in the darkness to enjoy the beauty of life.
My mom used to joke with me that the neighbors would tell her that they knew when I or my sister were home because they could hear my mom’s laughter from miles away. That is the joy in the heart that speaks beyond language. That is the joy that unites families and faith-based communities, the church. It is the joy based on love.
Father Paul Dong Min Li is from Shandung in northern China. He was ordained in the Diocese of Honolulu eight years ago. He has been the pastor of St. Roch Church in Kahuku and St. Joachim Mission in Punaluu. His new assignment is St. Theresa Parish, Mountain View, on the Big Island.
