This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. As we do so, it’s important to transport ourselves back to the days of Roman rule when the Apostles walked the earth with Jesus. Imagine death sentences being commonplace and the type of execution a warning and a deterrent. Then, image that […]
Manaolana|Makana’s helpful hints: Perspective
A friend and I like to say that we’re connected through John the Baptist’s births. I was born the day John was born into the world and he was born the day John was born into eternal life. In St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he reminds the people of Corinth that even at […]
Manaolana | Makana’s helpful hints: Being prepared
Last Monday, I was at Costco getting meat, chicken, bagels and Melona bars (request of the wife). When I got to the checkout area, it was packed! The “Hurricane rush” had already begun and here I was worried about the Melona bars. The five wise bridesmaids took extra lamp oil with them. The five foolish […]
Manalolana | Makana’s helpful hints: Let it thrive
We always watch HGTV to see the latest home transformations, so when we moved to our new place with its yard of weeds, we were excited to finally be able to do some transformation ourselves! However, watching countless transformations on television gave us no idea of how to go from before to after, no money […]
Manaolana | Makana’s helpful hints: Commit
For many of us “older” young adults, measuring commitment amongst “new” young adults is difficult. After all, is it really forgivable for one to miss a meeting as long as they sent a text? I remember a time when you couldn’t reach in your pocket and instantly communicate with someone. We set a time and […]
Manaolana | Makana’s helpful hints: Best. Day. Yet!
This past Monday was the most incredible experience of my life. I witnessed my wife become superhuman and join the 5 percent of women who give birth without any drugs. I stood by and tried my best to support her as she used all her strength to bring our son out of the womb and […]
Manaolana | Makana’s helpful hints: Walk with me
I love June. It’s got my birthday, the NBA Finals, south shore swells, the World Cup (every four years), and … the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)! Two years ago, Stephanie and I joined the Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession which was started, in its current form, by Bishop […]
Manaolana | Makana’s helpful hints: Patron of the church
Following my wife’s inspiration again, we look at the Patron of the Universal Church, the saint recently added to the main Eucharistic Prayer. Soon, we will celebrate our fathers and for the first time I will be counted among them. I am anxious to see my son face to face. I’m not sure if I […]
Manaolana | Makana’s helpful hints: The handmaid of the Lord
I was unsure of what to write about and this time God gave guidance through my wife, Stephanie. Most would agree that it is natural for a man to take advice from his wife, but still many of us struggle with guidance from those closest to us, even when we know it will lead in […]
Manaolana | Makana’s helpful hints: The heart to serve
Tomorrow is my cousin’s birthday. I always try to remind him that his birthday is also the feast day of St. Damien of Molokai. Usually I just mention it, but this year I can’t just mention it because we celebrate 150 years since he first arrived in our island home! Over the next four days, […]