For the record, in 1946 a tsunami (it was called a tidal wave in those days) hit the Hana coast on Maui, causing twelve deaths and extensive property damage. I came to Hawaii for the first time a year later and already scientists had developed a warning system for Hawaii that has detected every Pacific-wide tsunami since then.

We anticipated 2005 with mass on New Year’s Eve. A few hours later the island throbbed with blasts of fireworks as Maui welcomed the New Year.

January 1 is not a Holy Day of Obligation in Hawaii but we did celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, on Saturday morning. In the afternoon we began the celebration of the Solemnity of Epiphany. On Monday morning administrators, teachers and students returned to begin the New Year – hopefully with Great Expectations.

January at Saint Anthony’s featured a steady stream of lively visitors who brightened our home. First came Brother Mike O’Grady, currently Provincial Assistant for Religious Life to make an official visit to Saint Anthony’s Parish. He won the hearts of all and completed his visit by giving a stirring homily on baptism for the weekend masses. Then came Brother Jim Vorndran to make his own visit to the parish in view of returning here in July to strengthen the Marianist presence on Maui. Father Joe Hartzler was our guest for a few days as well and would have stayed longer, but the guest room had already been reserved for Father Jack Rielly who returned to Maui for his annual visit with the Marianist affiliates and other friends he had come to know during his many years of service on Maui.

Father Jack also preached at all the Sunday masses and several of the weekday masses as well. In his formal meeting with the affiliates he treated them to malasadas and donuts before giving them a quiz about Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. The day that Brother Jim and Father Jack left, Mr. Brian Reavey arrived. He is the newly appointed National Coordinator for Marianist LIFE and LIFE alumni. At the end of the month Brother Charles Johnson, Province Vocation Director, flew in from Honolulu for a twenty-four hour visit. Brother Stanley Murakami was in town visiting his mother and sister. Brother Frank Gomes and his brother John came in from Makawao for the gathering of the affiliates.

With Father Jack I made the ride around the West Valley mountains on that adventurous road that affords such spectacular views of the ocean. Father Jack had been on this road years ago when he witnessed a wedding at Kahakuloa. We were surprised to find Saint Francis Church open and well cared for. This church was founded in 1846, just a few years before the foundation of Saint Anthony’s. It is now a mission of Saint Ann’s, which years ago had been a mission of Saint Anthony’s

The local media covered Mother Marianne’s progress towards beatification in great detail. I noted that she left Syracuse to come to Molokai to assist Father Damien in 1883, the same year the Marianists came to Honolulu and Wailuku.

Weather has been ideal. We had two days of heavy rain – both on Sundays – producing ponds in the lower parts of Keopuolani park where I walk – and bringing out snails in abundance. On one of my walks I met a gentleman that I now privately identify as an SSS: Snail Shell Smasher! He has made himself a one-man army against these destructive snails.

Throughout these days I had the usual blessings of rosaries, candles and medals. I also blessed new cars and trucks that were obviously Christmas gifts! On the Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Patron of Catholic Schools, I was privileged to celebrate the Eucharist for the faculties of the Catholic Schools. Earlier in the month Father Ray Malley celebrated the school masses and blessed a new Weight Room for Saint Anthony’s Junior Senior High School.

Our parish bulletin had some special inserts in recent weeks. One was for the Tsunami Relief Collection I referred to earlier. Another featured Brother John Samaha’s article tracing the history of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.

Saint Anthony Parish and School administrators attended a county hearing about a possible road construction that would affect part of our property. This discussion has been going on for years, but it now seems to be reaching a critical point.

On the 19th we remembered two men who had served on Maui for many years: Father Joseph Napier and Brother Bill Schmitt. Father Joe is buried in Saint Anthony’s cemetery. Brother Bill died in Honolulu and is buried there.

I am with you in thought and prayer as we prepare for the rapid arrival of the Holy Season of Lent.

ST