Hawaii-born Little Sister of the Poor Marie Antoinette du St. Esprit Takahara. (HCH photo | Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP) “This will be my last trip home,” the kindly voice said. “It was a long trip coming over.” Something in my heart sank. I had just met her, and I didn’t want to let […]
Viriditas: Sister Agnella Iu, Carmelites
The simplicity of love The Carmelites prefer not to have their individual photos taken. Here is a picture of their convent on the Koolau slopes. In the daily life of Carmel, it is the presence of God that keeps us going. Here, we have a twofold mission to be, and to live, in God’s presence. […]
Viriditas: Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen, diocesan priest
Just show up Golf may be considered a sinful game. It can draw the worst out of you. Every single shot needs to be perfect. However, we are not perfect. There is a sweet spot right in the middle of the ball that needs to be hit. If you miss it, then the other side […]
Viriditas: Sister Dorothy Santos, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Time with the Lord, prayer and mosaics You ask, “What is my secret that keeps me going?” I am 91 and am not ashamed to say it. The answer is “my prayer life, my closeness with the Lord.” Well, throughout the day I often say, “Jesus.” Or “Jesus, I love you.” When I go up […]
Viriditas: Sister Oliva Fuentes, Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary
Teaching with humor I had always wanted to be a teacher, but I never thought about teaching preschoolers. Once I began working with the children however, I began to love them. Discipline is hard, but when you have a sense of humor, it becomes easy. I am always happy with my preschoolers. There was one […]
Viriditas: Brother Brandon Alana-Maugaotega, Society of Mary
Practices of prayer One of the things that keeps me grounded and focused is prayer. There is a clarity that comes when I reflect, discern and recollect events that occur during the day, over the course of a week, or even over where my life has led me. Prayer is one of the key things […]
To meet the unmeetable needs: Two Punahou grads meet in Taiwan. A conversation about life ensues
I am from Kailua. Jeff is from Honolulu. Both of us studied at Punahou School and embraced religious life after. I taught in Taiwan back in the 1980s. Jeff will complete in July his first year of teaching at Taiwan’s Fu Jen Catholic University. I came home to minister to the unmet needs in Hawaii; […]
Viriditas: Sister Mary Jo McEnany, Benedictine Congregation of Our Lady of Monte Oliveto
Mary with Jesus, with me I love the month of May. My name is Mary, and Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, has just been a wonderful partner to walk with and to pray with along my spiritual journey. Mary brings my soul closer to Jesus. When I slip and fall, which is often, Our […]
Viriditas: Sister Joan Chatfield, Maryknoll Sisters: Punctuating the positive
At the age of 80, I feel like I’ve got another whole new life ahead of me. I love being 80. I actually realize now that my best times in life are when I am with people of other religious persuasions and how we come together. It is exciting to be in the work of […]
Viriditas: Father Manuel Hewe, diocesan priest
Prayer for busy people In seminary, we once had this discussion: “Why can’t people pray?” People are always saying that they don’t have time for it. So, how are we able to inculcate in their minds the importance of relating to God, the Source? Otherwise, they will become like a well that when it dries, […]
