Theology 2

My summer was packed with many events.  The bishop assigned me to St. Augustine by the Sea in Waikiki.  Although the parish is staffed by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and May (S.S.C.C.), I stayed there as the Diocese Seminarian in Residence.  Father Lane Akiona, sscc and Father Lusius Nimu, sscc welcomed me into their rectory community as a brother.  I was quite a busy person at the parish and I gained much experience from these awesome priests.  They showed me the joy of the priesthood.  My vocational discernment was affirmed and strengthened.  The summer was also full of several speaking engagements.  I was blessed to be keynote speaker of the Diocese Faith Formation Conference Youth Night in the presence of my bishop.  I was nervous but I got great feedback.  My passion for the documents of Vatican II led me to speak at three different parishes.  As you can see, my summer was busy.  Being in Waikiki had its advantages.  I was able to go to he beach several times and I got to enjoy my summer vacation amidst the busy parish life.  

Before I knew it, summer was over!  I returned to the Mainland in August to continue my studies for the ordained priesthood.  The first semester this past year had been the roughest one thus far but with God’s grace and the support I received, I got through it.  Last fall I received my second ministry towards ordination.  This time, Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange instituted my class into the Ministry of Acolyte.  In this ministry, serving at mass is my ordinary duty.  Acolytes also purify the vessels used for holy mass.  I also may expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament.  

The spring semester came also quickly.  I took six classes of theology and field education.  My favorite class was "Meaning of Human Sexuality."  We studied the Theology of the Body of Pope Saint John Paul II.  

I spent my Holy Week break with Father Daniel Balizan in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  This was my first time in Santa Fe.  All the other times I visited Fr. Daniel was in Raton, New Mexico.  As always I MC'd at the liturgies of the Sacred Triduum.  There were also time to site see as well.  The highlight of this trip was doing a walking pilgrimage to the Santuario in Chimayo, New Mexico.   

Soon after my trip to New Mexico, the semester started to roll to the end.  One of my vices, like many college students, is procrastination.  I thought that my papers would be done by mid-term but they weren't.  The last few weeks of the semester was occupied by me finishing up my term papers.  Thanks be to God, I finished them!

Second year of theology went by very quickly and now I am off to my pastoral year.  But before I go off to pastoral year, I have summer assignment in Maui!  Stay tuned for those adventures... 

"Faith in Action" Keynote Speaker of Youth Night 2013

 

On June 20, I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker of the 2013 Youth Night for the Diocese of Honolulu.  Based upon the theme of "Faith in Action" and Superheroes, I exhorted the youth to put their faith in action because of their baptismal call. 

 

At the end of the night, each attendee made a profession of faith and a recommitment of their baptismal calling.  What an inspiring event for my vocation!



 

https://vimeo.com/68886336

S.S.C.C. Jubilee Celebration

Around the Feasts of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of perpetual adoration in Hawaii celebrates anniversaries of professions and/or ordinations.  Father Lane invited me to attend this festive gathering of priest, brothers, sisters, and lay associates.  The celebration started with a mass at St. Patrick's Church in Kaimuki.  The jubilarians renewed their profession in front of the whole congregation.  As they were saying their names, I was imagining what the first time is might have been 50 or 60 years ago.

After the mass, we attended the banquet at the Pacific Beach Hotel.  The Vicar General of the Diocese of Honolulu was in attendance as well.

 

 

 

The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of perpetual adoration was founded in the 19th Century by Father Pierre Coudrin and Henriette Aymer de Chevalerie with a mission to spread the message of God's unconditional love as manifested through the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and finding God's mercy through the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  St. Damien of Molokai was a member of this congregation.  To the Sacred Hearts Jesus and Mary, Honor and Glory!

Full Flights, Missed Ordinations, Transitions, and a blessed Corpus Christi Weekend

On Friday, I attempted to catch a flight to Sacramento on Hawaiian Airlines on a buddy pass for a friends ordination to the priesthood.  I checked in, gone through the security line, had some coffee, and arrived at the gate. When I arrived at the gate, I went to look at the standby list that was posted on the counter.  To my surprise, I was number 49 on the list for standby and only 13 seats were available.  Even though I knew that I wasn't going to make this flight, I waited as each name was being called hoping that the list would get shorter and shorter.  At the final boarding call, only two seats were available.  The 32nd and 33rd person got those seats... :(   I was so sadden that I was going to miss a friends ordination.  Determined to get a seat on another flight, I ran to each gate to see if I can join the standby list.  I think that every one was flying standby that day.  Pheonix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles... All full (of standby passenger)!  My heart was even more sorrowful than before because for sure I knew that was not going to make to the ordination...

I called Gloria Butac, a parishioner of the Co-Cathedral, to ask if she come back to the airport to pick me up.  She was on her way to a gathering of "morning glories" at the Marianist Beach House with Alan Pacquing.  I went with her and the ladies of the 6:30 am daily mass.  Instead of crying babies, recycled air, old In-flight movies, and sleepy companions, I was with good company. We forgot to buy charcoal for the grill so we cooked the Kal-bi (BBQ Short Ribs) and BBQ Chicken in the oven.  That was the first time cooking these in the oven on a broil.  It all worked out and we had a blast. 

I was going to back to Waikiki that night but decided to go to my family home so that I could attend morning mass at the Co-Cathedral to welcome our new administrator.  Also, the mass coincided with the ordination mass in Sacramento.  I was able to pray for the new priest at that mass.

After mass, I joined the ladies in stuffing the monthly parish bulletin in the rectory.  This reminded me of the days when I was a youth helping during the summer at Our Lady of the Mount in Kalihi Valley. 

Brunch with our new administrator followed.  After a short trip to Costco, I headed back to St. Augustine by the Sea in Waikiki.  

In the afternoon, I was able to catch the first showing of Alice in Wonderland Jr. performed by students of St. Theresa School.  Having been in theatre when I was in middle and high school, this performance was very good.  Congratulations to Directress Bernie Gora, Stage Manager Fay Gora, and Box Office Manager Lynette Seto!

No musician showed up to play/sing at the 5pm mass and it was already ten-minutes before the mass was about to start.  So, Father Lane put on a monastic alb and started to choose some music for mass.  Fr. Lane, Rufina (our sacristan), and I formed a little schola.  Singing in the Rector's Schola Cantorum prepared me for this.  At the end of the mass, Fr. Lusius thanked our new choir and the Church cheered with laughter.  In the end, it all worked out.  After mass, I met a young man from California who was discerning a religious vocation.  He enjoyed our singing.  It reminded him of Gregorian Chant. 

On Sunday morning, I greeted the Provost of the seminary and her husband who were visiting the island.  I brought Dr. Morey and her husband to our Damien and Marianne Heritage Center for a tour.  Their trip was cut short to only the weekend so we couldn't have a meal together.  There will be another opportunity I'm sure. 

The homily of Father Lane was a home run.  He shared about his recent trip to Tonga with the provincial to open the mission.  While he was there, the brothers invited a family to the house to share a meal.  In the Tongan culture, the priest usually eat first and then the laity.  They never eat at the same table.  The family was shocked at how different these Picpus Fathers & Brothers were.  On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood, we are reminded that all the faithful are invited to the common table of the Lord.

After the 10 am mass, a young boy came up to me and asked me a question.  "What is it like being a seminarian?"  I was lost for words.  I never really thought about what "its like."  When I told him that I lived in the seminary, he asked another question.  "You live at a cemetery?" LOL!  Sometimes it could be.... Hahaha

My day ended with fellowship and fraternal bonding the Sacred Hearts Fathers.  We were celebrating Fr. Lusius' 10th year priestly ordination anniversary and Fr. Yanto's 1st year.  Dinner was lovely and the stories that were shared were awesome.  Living in this community of Sacred Heart Fathers has been so far a great experience.  We do everything in community...There is never a day that goes by without laughter!

Well, that was my weekend experience.  Although I didn't make it to Fr. Carlo's Ordination, God had other plans...

I can't wait till the next adventure!

Summer Assignment: St. Augustine by the Sea in Waikiki

Wow!  A year of theological studies have gone by.  This first year was a fruitful one in all pillars of formation (Spiritual, Academic, Human, Pastoral).  Towards the end of the school year, I received my summer parish assignment from Fr. Pascual Abaya, my Vocation Director.  I was very excited for my first parish assignment.  When he told me what my assignment was, I was exuberantly joyful. 

My assignment:  St. Augustine by the Sea in Waikiki

On Pentecost Weekend, I was introduced to the parishioners at all the masses by Fr. Lane Akiona, SSCC.  I was welcomed with such warm Aloha.  Even though I am a diocesan seminarian, I immediately fit into the community of Sacred Heart Priests.  The hospitality and fraternity between the priests here is genuine and strong.  

I know that this assignment will be filled with many adventures.  This is truly a Hale Pule (House of Prayer) for those who come to visit our Islands.  On that first weekend, I have met people from all around the world. 

This was just the first weekend and I can't wait for what this summer has in store for me.

St. Patrick's Seminary & University

Summer came and went this year.  My last summer as a philosophy student was spent working at the Diocesan Office of Worship and McDonald's at Kam Shopping Center.  I had a blast moving the office to the downtown chancery.  Having the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace just there was a joy.  I spent many break periods in the church. 

 

 

I arrived at St. Patrick's Seminary & University for the Theologate program of my formation on Sunday, August 19.  Established in 1898, St. Patrick's Seminary & University was founded by priests of the Society of St. Sulpice (Sulpicians) and is still staffed by them.  When I arrived, I was greeted by the orientation team and was helped by seminarians to my room.  Unlike my first experience at Mount Angel Seminary, the water ran clear (see earlier blog entry Aug. 2009). 

 

Orientation begins this week and school starts next week.  I look forward to theological studies, meeting new people, and having new experiences.  Please continue to pray for me as I start this part of formation and know that you are in mines as well.  God bless!

 



Graduation from Mount Angel Seminary

Graduation has come and gone.  Three years ago, I left my career & job, my friends, and my family to pursuit a priestly vocation.  These past three years has been such a roller coaster ride but it was and still is through God's grace that I am not afraid.  Christ's call to "Be not afraid" keeps me going on this path.  Please pray for me as I continue to on the journey to the ordained priesthood...

East Triduum 2012

I spent my Holy Triduum in Raton, New Mexico at St. Patrick's-St. Joseph's Parish with a priest friend of mine.  I was able to help with the different liturgies of the triduum.  The Mass of the Lord's Supper was very inspiring for me.  At Mass, I reflected on the two institutions of Christ on that night.  The two are the institution of the priesthood and the institution of the Eucharist.  

(Aside)

As I am on the threshold between Philosophical and Theological Studies, there are a whole lot of emotions that I am feeling.  I am feeling sad that I will be moving away from Mount Angel. Oregon has become home for me these last three years.  I will definitely miss Mount Angel, Oregon.  I also feel very happy that I will begin graduate school studying Theology.  I will be moving to the city once again. 

The Good Friday service was moving.  The cross that we used for the veneration was the cross that was carried on pilgrimage by parishioners to the Sanctuario in New Mexico.  Friday morning I had to take off all the intentions that were nailed to the cross.  In the evening at 5pm, we prayed the Stations of the Cross at the cemetery.  Each station was prayed at a different grave of parishioners.  

Holy Saturday was full of events.  All day father and I ran through the Roman Missal making sure the Easter Vigil will run smoothly.  We had one baptism and six confirmation with first communion that night.  The mass lasted for three hours.  

On Easter Sunday, we had a marathon of masses.  We had two morning masses and then we had to drive thirty miles to another town in our vestments to celebrate another mass.  Our Easter meal was burgers and fries.   By that time, I was so pooped.  When we got home, I took a nap of fours hours.  

Today, Easter Monday, has been a whole day of rest.  I read more pages of a book I am reading "The Future Church" by John Allen.  

I will be flying back to Portland, Oregon tomorrow from Denver, Colorado.  These last few days has been busy but also prayerful.  I can't wait to be back at the seminary to finish my last few weeks and to start packing...

Mid-Semester Theological Reflection

Last week, I completed my Capstone Defense Presentation.  The culmination of all my study here at Mount Angel Seminary flashed before me.  The title of my senior thesis is "Theosis and Liturgy:  A Historical Study of Deification to Understand the Transformative Power of Roman Catholic Liturgy."  This Eastern Theology has expanded my understanding of Liturgy.  I first heard about the notion of Theosis when I attended a two-week retreat/conference called "Renewing Liturgy, Renewing Life," led by Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman & Sister Kathleen Harmon from Dayton, OH, a few years ago.

In this paper, I give a historical background to the notion of theosis.  I hope to expand this paper into a Master's Thesis in the future.  I have about 49 days till graduation, and I still have a lot of work to do.  I pray that all the seminarians persevere in these last days of classes and all will be able to show forth what they learned.

Lent 2012

"Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel!"

My Journey into 2012!

Hello everyone! I know that I haven't updated my blog in a while. The last time I updated it was during the summer break. Wow, that was almost 6 months ago. Don't worry, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

It is now 2012 and I am entering my last semester of College seminary. At the end of the semester, I will earning a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelors of Arts in Religious Studies. Last week, we had our Annual Silent Retreat at Mount Angel Seminary. This year's retreat master was Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco. With his literature background, Archbishop gave us fresh looks at scripture passages and linked them with the theme. Although it was not explicitly stated, I think the theme was "Earthen Vessels". Overall, this retreat was much needed and was much refreshing.

During the retreat, I read the book "The Joy of Priesthood" by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti. Msgr. Rossetti also gave me inspiring words of encouragement in my discernment to the Priestly life.

This semester, I am taking 17 semester credits to finish up. I will also be defending a senior capstone project. Currently the title of my paper is "Theosis and Liturgy: How the Liturgy leads to Deification." I am so excited for this semester and hopefully I will be continuing on to another seminary to complete my Seminary formation.

With These Hands...

Last night for almost three hours I was washing dishes at McDonald's. Yes, I am working at McDonald's this summer to pay for any expenses this coming school year at the seminary. As my finngers were geting very wrinkled from all the grease, soap, and hot water, I reflected on my vocation.

I couldn't fathom the idea that with these hands, one day God will make himself present through his body and blood. With these hands, God will baptize His children into His divine life. With these hands, God will forgive people of their sins. With these hands, God will anoint the sick and bring them comfort. With these hands... these simple hands.

I pray that more in our diocese will listen to God's call and repond with a firm YES!

Diocesan Prayer for Vocations

Heavenly Father,

your Divine Son taught us to pray to the Lord of the harvest

to send laborers into His vineyard.

We earnestly beg you to bless our diocese and our world

with many priest and religious

who will love you fervently and gladly and courageously send their lives

in service to your Son's Church,

especially the poor and the needy.

Bless our families and our children,

and choose from our homes those who you desire for this holy work.

Teach them to respond generously and keep them ever faithful

in following your Son Jesus Christ,

that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit

and with the inspiration of Saint Damien and Blessed Marianne

the Good News of redemption may be brought to all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Abiqua Falls Hike- My Lenten Walk With Jesus

This past weekend, I went to Abiqua Fall with the seminary hiking group. When I first signed up for the hike, I was told that it was going to be only a 1.5 mile hike down into the falls and 1.5 mile back up. The whole hike was about 9 miles. This was my lenten offering. I offered the pain and suffering of walking up the mountain, down the steep hillside, and then back up again.

It was worth it though, to see the falls at the end.... It was amazing....

LA Congress 2011

This year the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress is scheduled during our spring break. EJ and I decided to attend the congress as chaperones for the Immaculate Conception Church Youth Group (ICCYG). Much of this trip will be re-living our childhood along with supervising 12 youth. The highlight of this trip will certainly be the Youth Day (Thursday) but the Disneyland Experience, Universal Studios, and Medieval Times will be great as well. Follow me for the next few days as my spring break unfolds.

Day 1: (Monday) Today we arrived in LAX and was craving for an "Animal Style Double-Double" from In & Out. After checking in to our hotel, EJ's classmate, who lives in LA, picked us up for a night of great company. For dinner, we ate authentic Korean food in a small hole in the wall restaurant. I have been craving Bi-bim-bap since the semester started. I definitely had to eat that in the Hot Pot version. Our night ended with boba drinks down the road.

Day 2: (Tuesday) With only four hours of sleep, our day started with meeting the ICCYG at the airport. They rode the red eye from Lihue, Kauai direct to LAX. The youth were enthusiastic for their full day of Disneyland with only very little sleep. This was the first time I went to Disneyland.

Day 3: (Wednesday) Today was our Universal Studios adventure.

Day 4: (Thursday) We woke up very early to get into the line at the Anaheim Convention Center for Youth Day. Before our two hour wait, we stopped at seven eleven to grab some coffee to wake up. I was looking for spam musubi's, bento's, and fried saimin. Unfortunately seven eleven franchise only served donuts, banana's and breakfast burritos. It was 530am when we got to the Anaheim Convention Center. There was already a line forming at the doors. We were able to get in line at the beginning of the 15,000 youth gathered. Tried from a short sleep, the ICCYG were excited to experience their first Los Angeles Youth Day. The doors were opened at 730am and our group latched to each other as we moved into the arena. There was a perfect spot that Uncle Blu remembers from previous congresses. We followed as he dashed on in the first level of bleachers. He was right! The seats that we got were the best view. None of this nose bleed action that I have experienced in the past. Jessie Manibusan roused up the crowd with music. He shared to the youth the meaning of being "Church".

I have attended the LA Congress in the past but never made to the Youth Day portion. This was my first LA Congress Youth Day. After the great singing, the first inspirational speaker was Justin Fatica of the Hard as Nails Ministry. That ended the opening sessions. We decided to take the morning workshop that was in the arena. Our first speaker was Judy McDonald on the topic "Finding God in All Things."

Before Lunch, Archbishop Gomez celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass along with many brother bishops, priests, and deacons. At the end He said, "This is amazing." The Youth Day was Archbishop's introduction to LA Congress.

After Lunch, we attended the session led by inspirational speaker, Fr. Tony Ricard. Hearing his version of the creation story was moving to all present. As expected, Fr. Ricard motivated the youth with his message to "Shut up and Listen."

The closing ceremony was led by Jesses Manibusan.

Day 5: (Friday) Day of play at California Adventures. Don't worry we all had tofu(meatless) for lunch.

Day 6: (Saturday) Today, Ej and I decided to spend our whole day exploring through "Catholic Costco" (Catholic Costco is the 250+ exhibitors at LA Congress). For lunch we had an opportunity to meet and greet all the Hawaii delegates at Ihop. After lunch, we continued our exploration. We attended the Young Adult Mass in the afternoon.

Day 7: (Sunday) Our Spring Break is coming to an end. As we sat in the terminal for Alaska Air, I began to reflect on my vocation. My experience this spring break has taught me to live life to the fullest.

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus said to his disciples:

“You have heard that it was said,An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.When someone strikes you on your right cheek,turn the other one as well.If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,hand over your cloak as well.Should anyone press you into service for one mile,go for two miles.Give to the one who asks of you,and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father..." (Excerpt of Mt. 5:38-48)

“You have heard that it was said,

Growing up in a typical Filipino family has its ups and downs. Being the oldest and a male child has its advantages over a younger female child. Looking back on my life, I can say that my relationship with my sister is much different now than then. As children, we fought often like cats and dogs. The smallest thing can begin the war of words. One time I remember we fought about something and was determined not to talk to each other ever again. How could I forgive her for what she said?

In the Gospel reading this past Sunday, Jesus reminds us to love our enemies, pray for our persecutors, and offer our other cheek when someone strikes the other. Today, my relationship with my sister has grown into a loving and understanding one. My journey towards the priesthood of Christ has really help me grow in this dimension of the Christian life. It seems to me that it would be difficult to be a holy priest if you can't forgive and forget. God self-emptied himself (Kenosis) and took our form in the person of Jesus to restore our relationship with God and neighbor.

How many of us want to become true children of God? Then we must live up to the challenge that is outlined in the following antiphon.

‎"If you want to be true children of your heavenly Father, then you must pray for those who persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you, says the Lord"

- Canticle of Mary Antiphon for Evening Prayer I

Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone...

Today was the seventh annual West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco. Just as it was last year, the experience of taking part of this walk was a moving one. We arrived at St. Patrick's Seminary the night before after a 12-hour bus ride. After praying vespers in their magnificent seminary chapel, we headed towards their "refectory" (dinning hall) for a social. It was a great time to catch up with old friends that graduated from Mount Angel Seminary.

This was my second pilgrimage to San Francisco for the West Coast Walk for Life. The first time I was here, I had to be my own tour guide. I am grateful to Manolito Jaldon for being my host, tour guide, and taking me to University Avenue of Stanford University to drink some Starbuck's.

The summit of our pilgrimage was on Saturday. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Niederauer in a packed Cathedral along with several Bishops of California. Priest, religious, seminarians and they laity gathered to pray for the end of the cultural of death in our country. Right after mass, our bus took us to the start of the walk at Justin Herman Plaza in Downtown San Francisco.

A short line up of speakers helped motivate the crowd of more than 40,000 pro-life activists. Immediately after the speakers, the short 2.5 mile walk began along the waterfront. Along the way, there were a small group of Pro-choice protesters on the sidewalk. I realized that the crowd of 40,000 peacefully walked, some with rosaries in their hands, and the small group was screaming and yelling for "choice". What sadden my heart was seeing a child not more than 7 years of age holding a sign for abortion on demand and with her parents yelling to the Pro-life activists. How can parents bring their child to a pro-choice protest?

We walked past the tourist ridden waterfront and my attention was caught by the stores, restaurants, and sidewalk attractions. My bliss was broken when I almost tripped on someone. Towards the end of the walk, the way became narrower and slowed down. In order to get to Marina Green you have to walk up a hill. A profound moment was when I got to the top of the hill and looked back, I saw a mile long trail of people behind me like an ant colony. This sight was an illustration of the body of Christ for me.

When we got to the end of the walk, I decided to go to Safeway to grab a bite. Out of nowhere a woman starts calling my name. At first I said to myself, "Other than seminarians, who in San Francisco know me?" I turned around to the source of voice and saw Elma Amboy (Rivera), a woman that I met in Hawaii many years ago through Blessed Sacrament Prayer Group. The last time I met her was last year at the walk for life in the midst of the crowd. Before this year's walk for life, we connected through Facebook and hoped to see each other again. Unfortunately we weren't able to make any plans to meet. So unexpectedly seeing each other at the Safeway was truly providential.

The West Coast Walk for Life this year was a moving one filled with many profound moments. It was disappointing to see that the news highlighted the pro-choice side only and failed to report the number of people gathered at the Walk for Life.

Hawaii Catholic TV- Our home away from home...

On the feast of St. Sebastian, Martyr, the Diocese of Honolulu celebrated its annual "Red" mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. Legislatures, Police and Fire Personnel, and even Governor-elect Neil Abercrombie, were among the faithful and clergy gathered for prayer. After the post-communion prayer those gathered were addressed by USCCB Attorney, Anthony R. Picarello Jr. on the topic "Truth and Freedom: Made for Each Other." Mass ended with the congregation singing "America, the Beautiful."

Viewers, like us Seminarians, were able to be part of the Red Mass all the way from here in Oregon. It was made possible for us through the new initiative of John Fielding called Hawaii Catholic TV - HICTv for Short. Today's broadcast was a huge success compared to the previous attempt in live-streaming Deacon Anthony's ordination last month. Just as John was praying for 98-99 percent broadcast, it worked. The only glitch that happened during the mass was right after the start of Mr. Picarello's speech. The broadcast went off-air for just about 5 mins. Despite this minor technical difficulty, overall the live-stream went well.

It is with a grateful heart that HICTv brings the Diocese of Honolulu beyond the geographical lines right into our homes, schools, work, and even my seminary. I hope that we will be able to continue to use this valuable resource as a diocese to really "Witness to Jesus". Great job to John Fielding and this crew and keep it up! HICTv is my home away from home.

Belated Christmas Update.... Sorry

Christmas 2010

Last Friday night, a few seminarians and myself attended the annual Portland singing Christmas tree. There, many Christmas favorites were sung. It truly got the whole audience in the mood for the Christmas season. As Catholics, we know that we are not yet in that season but in Advent. Amidst all this Christmas spirit, I am challenged to “stay awake and be ready”. What should I be ready for? This advent I am reflecting on the things that keep me from being awake and ready or those things that clutter the inn of my heart. The advent candles burn bright in our homes to remind us that we are children of the light. I wait for the Lord’s “coming” into my inn. This past year has been quite a journey.

In my last Christmas letter, I mentioned that my mother was going through tough chemotherapy treatment and was very weak. On December 8^th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, our Lord took away her bodily suffering and called her to eternal life. We laid her to rest on December 19. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. This year has been an emotional roller coaster for me.

In June, I traveled to the Great Salt Lake for the first time. I attended the ordination of Fr. Joey Frez. The mountains were covered in snow and were gorgeous. I got to visit a cloistered Carmelite convent and the Trappist monks. Following that trip, I attended the ordination of Fr. Ysrael Bien in Portland, OR. The highlight of these trips was seeing these two celebrate their thanksgiving mass.

My summer was spent at St. Stephen’s Diocesan Center. I was able to discern my vocation and work on my human formation. I interned at the Diocesan Religious Education Office directed by Jayne Mondoy. This experience gave me a better outlook of administration from a diocesan office point of view. I enjoyed the times I spent with the staff and the priest there.

I returned to the seminary in August to begin my 3^rd semester. So far, I am enjoying the courses that I have. I really enjoy my Latin and Greek classes. The semester really went by quick. Next week is already finals.

For Thanksgiving, I drove up to Seattle to see family. This was my first experience of driving in the snow. My jeep is not 4x4 or all wheel drive so it was difficult. Thank God I made it safely back to the seminary.

As the days are counting down to my return to Honolulu, more and more I am getting anxious. But there are a lot of things yet to do. Things such as Formation meeting, Spiritual direction, term papers to write, final exams, oral finals, and more. But I must not lose sight to the real reason why I must do all this. That is to serve you and lead you as your priest. I pray and hope that this advent season will be full of turning away from darkness and turning to joyful anticipation.

I extend my greetings for a holy Christmas season (not just a day) and a happy New Year. As my spiritual director always says, “oremus pro inviciem.” (Let us pray for one another).

Advent

"Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day you Lord will come." In the readings this past Sunday on the First Sunday of Advent, we are reminded to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must stay awake and be prepared everyday. Noah built the ark on God's instruction. He listened to the word and acted on it. It definitely required much faith. Probably those around him thought he was crazy. How many of us fall victim to the secular celebration of Christmas? I myself get caught in all the "Christmas in the air" feeling and forget the meaning of this advent season. Many times before I have failed to listen to God's voice. As the Gospel reading has reminded us, we must be like Noah- prepared. We must rise and stand in faith especially in these times. For a priest, he must walk in faith always and listen to God's instruction.

During the homily this past sunday, the priest celebrant told of a faith experience he had encountered a few weeks ago. He was on his way to celebrate mass at the mission church on a saturday. This church was in a rural area with poor cell phone reception. Right before celebrating mass, he received a phone call. It was his sister calling to say that their mother is being rushed to the emergency room. After she said that, the phone dropped the call leaving Father stupefied. He was worried because he couldn't call back. Many emotions went through this mind. He had two choices. First, he could just leave behind his flock or walk by faith and trust in God. After composing himself, he chose to walk by faith. He listened to the instruction of God, "go and offer mass for my people." The next day, he received a call from his sister saying that their mother is being moved out of the ICU. Talk about walking by faith. What is so moving was that Father was able to talk to his mother on the phone. When he asked whether or not she knew who she was talking to, she said, "This is my son." The was the first time in a long time that she knew who he was.

To prepare ourselves this advent season, St. Paul reminds us to "throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." The bottom line is: Do not do things of darkness because we are children of the light. God spoke through the prophets but all was fulfilled by Jesus. NOW is the time to leave behind any darkness. Let us be in joyful anticipation!

Commemoration of All Souls

"For those who believe, life has not ended but changed."

Yesterday was the commemoration of All Souls, an important day for the monks of Mount Angel Abbey. The fog rolled in and covered the hill most of the morning. After the mass, everyone processed to the cemetery with the monks taking the lead. With hoods covering their heads, the monks processed through the fog. Once we got there, Father Odo with holy water blessed the graves of this brothers. Following that, he incensed the cemetery by weaving through the rows of simple cross grave markers.

We all left the cemetery in silence. This day was a day of recollection for the whole seminary. We had conferences lead by Abbot Gregory Duer, OSB.

Most of my day was reflecting on burying my mom nearly a year ago and my father almost four years. I truly missed their presence and the ability to have a conversation with them. My father a hard working person trying to make ends meet found his rest in drinking. I regret not spending time with him having some Ahi Poke (raw fish snack eaten while hanging out) or learn about this trade of making Hawaiian jewelry. His life well lived, was too short. My mom battled breast cancers for almost two years before going home to the Lord. I wish I spend more time with her listening to her stories of the past and learning to cook those delicious Filipino dishes that I so miss. She lived a life self-sacrificing from coming to America at the age of 21 to give a better life for her siblings (4 sisters, 2 brothers) to working several jobs to make ends meet when she started her own family.

To both of my parents, thank you for teaching me to love no matter what. For teaching me the importance of "blood is thicker than water" and the value of family. For teaching me to sacrifice my self for others. For teaching me to study hard and strive for the best. Thank for these and so much more.

Lord, I praise you and I thank you for giving me the parents that I had. You taught us to empty ourselves by giving up your son. Give me the grace to persevere to become a holy priest as you have called me to. I know how much you are asking me to give up and I accept. Let your presence be ever known to me in the times of trial and tribulation. Help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Bless those who have had an impact in my life. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.