A journey with a priest

On Father’s Day, Grateful for a Priest Who Changed my Life

He patiently walked me through scriptures related to suffering, and provided books that explored the issue from every possible angle.

Most of all, he assured me that God was not punishing me with this disease, because, he insisted, God is merciful. As he put it, “He is always gazing at you with love.”

I was unschooled in my faith, having never studied Catholicism formally, and I had many confused snippets that I’d carried along from childhood.

He never belittled me about my beliefs, but carefully explained what actual Church teachings were. We explored suffering, sin, the incarnation and the resurrection, and then went on to moral issues.

This priest was a father in the best sense of the word, gently pointing me toward the light. And as the years went on, I wept less and laughed more in his presence.

Read more here.

An encounter...

I thought I'd share with you that among those present at the 12 noon Mass at the Cathedral yesterday were 2 young men. They were seated together and seemed to be totally engrossed in listening to the readings for the day. What a wonderful, wonderful site to behold! With invitation to the priesthood in mind, of course, it became my goal to speak with them after Mass.


I said 'hello' to them as they were on their way out of the church. We found ourselves talking, just chatting, laughing, and soon, exchanging experiences of our journey, and very soon, sharing scripture passages that brought us to the present. I wanted to get a feel of who they were before popping up the question "Have you thought of becoming a priest?" When that was blurted out, one of them shared that someone did ask him if he wanted to become a priest. He trodded into that path by joining a group of brothers. Turns out it was there he discovered that it wasn't meant to be for him. But it was alright.


Our conversation and our connection were one of joy. These 2 young men were very happy that I welcomed them and that I took the time to get to know them. What a good reminder that was for me! Welcoming people IN the church could also mean welcoming them INTO the church! And most of all, it was a great reminder to never stop inviting young men to consider priesthood! :-)

God be praised!!!!

A Wonderful Surprise Meeting Fr. Daren Again

flowers for Fr. Daren and the delegates

from Sringfield, Illinois

I had the pleasure of meeting Fr. Daren Zehnle of Servant and Steward last year through Esther of A Catholic Mom in Hawaii. Fr. Daren came just in time for the big Fr. Damien celebration we had which took place at our capitol and immediately followed by a well attended Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. I must say his vacation was FANTASTIC (his posts were enough proof) :-).

I had the chance to go to Stephen's in Pali (diocesan main office and residence of Bishop Larry Silva) the day before and met just by chance some of the delegates from Springfield, Illinois who were here for a short visit before going to Australia for World Youth Day. Funny, I startled one of them for as I was walking out of the bathroom, she was walking towards the main door and not expecting anyone there since it was a Saturday. I had a nice chat with them afterwards.

Came Sunday, I unexpectedly met the same people right outside of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. I had no idea they were going to my church! Good thing I didn't cantor that morning... could have been a disaster from nervousness ha ha ha... Then as I was standing and looking at this young priest, I started wondering who that might be and why he looks familiar to me. Well, of course, because I've met this young and vibrant priest before, and I featured him right here on my blog months ago. Fr. Daren! What a fantastic surprise!

Fr. Daren, I was at the choir loft singing during that Mass and I was praising God for such an occasion of meeting you again and the wonderful youth and parents with you. I look forward to having dinner with you and hopefully with Esther, too!

Visit Fr. Daren's post that mentions our encounter and his adventures here on our island.