Friday, May 1, 2009

Fr. Daren's Vocation Story

The Reverend Father, Daren J. Zehnle,
is Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish
in Effingham, Illinois.



We know that vocations, callings to the service of the Church, do not simply arise within vacuums or in the silence of individual hearts alone. Vocations very often arise within families and within parishes. Future priests do not simply drop out of heaven; they arise from within the people of God. - Fr. Daren


Read Fr. Daren's inspiring vocation story right here.

Fr. Daren is a good friend of mine, and Esther's of A Catholic Mom in Hawaii. He has become a frequent visiting priest here in Hawaii, which I'm positive is, for him, a place of restful and joyful connection with God. When on the island of Oahu, he says Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. I can't say that he has acquired the spirit of ohana (family) and the spirit of aloha (love). I believe he's always got them within him.

Here are some pictures I took when Fr. Daren was here
sometime in February this year.







An interview with Fr. Daren







4 comments:

Rev. Daren J. Zehnle, J.C.L., K.C.H.S. said...

These pictures bring back such wonderful memories, Easter; thank you for your posting!

You have managed to lift my spirit while at the same time increase my longing to return to Hawaii.

Please give my greetings to those lovely sacristans, to your family and to Esther and her family.

I hope all is well!

Easter Almuena said...

Thanks, Fr. Daren!

Summer is coming up so hopefully you might be able to come and stay for awhile. :-)

Blessings and aloha from all of us.

EC Gefroh said...

With his love of the islands, Fr. Damien, and his aloha, Father Daren is pretty much a kamaaina.

We look forward to seeing you again soon Father.

Thanks Easter for a lovely post.

Easter Almuena said...

Thanks, Esther! I agree!

Thanks for leaving a message for Fr. Daren here.