Although I was the homilist for that Sunday, I had also been invited to lead a group of Catholic School Administrators in a pre-Lenten retreat beginning Sunday afternoon. Since the East Coast is so many hours ahead of Hawaii, the Patriots had already defeated the Eagles by the time we began the retreat. In fact I arrived at the hotel in time for the opening kickoff. The retreat had been arranged by the Principal of Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina who is a friend of the General Manager of the Royal Lahaina Resort who was a most gracious host.

The setting was incredibly beautiful. We were in cottages on one of the most stunning beaches on Maui and the weather was ideal – while whales frolicked off shore. We even had our evening meals on the lawn outside the cottage where I was living. I found the retreat to be a very inspiring experience of ongoing conversation with time for personal prayer. I was impressed by the quality of sharing as we reflected together on those themes I use so often: to look back with gratitude; to look forward with hope; to live fully in the present.

After our concluding mass I returned to Saint Anthony’s early Tuesday afternoon. Brother Richard Dix had arrived the day before and since he had no commitments that afternoon, we began our own discussion of the past, present and future of the Marianists on Maui as we drove to Haleakala. We had to drive through a cloud to get to the summit, but once there it was clear and bright at 10,000 feet. We returned in time to meet with Father Ray and celebrate Mardi Gras.

For Ash Wednesday our parish had three masses and a prayer service – and an abundance of ashes! After the morning mass Brother Richard joined me for a vigorous walk in Keopuolani Park and in the afternoon we visited the SM owned Waiheu residence which is currently being leased by a community of Sisters of Saint Joseph who graciously invited us to stay for dinner.

Ash Wednesday coincided with the Chinese New Year … and we have been receiving some tasty Chinese dishes these days from Albert and Shirley Chee. For many years this couple had a Chinese restaurant. They are now retired but haven’t lost their touch! Albert is very devoted to the Marianists and talks enthusiastically about the Brothers who taught him years ago. Meanwhile, our regular cook, Maralee Kahakauwila, keeps us abundantly well nourished!

Brother Richard and I continued our conversation on Thursday, first in the walk in the park and then in a drive to Hana – and beyond. Since he had just visited Mexico he politely assured me that the road beyond Hana was just like what he had experienced there. And so we bounced our way over the road that afforded spectacular ocean views and then led us back to a smooth road around Haleakala to Wailuku. The views are splendid, but the potholes are jarring. A jeep would have been better! That evening Father Ray and I attended a Vicariate meeting.

On Friday Brother Richard wanted to see the aquarium, so off we went to the Maui Ocean Center, but first we went to Iao valley – the heart of Maui – to admire the famed “needle” which warriors had used as a lookout. This was the scene of a battle unifying the islands, where “the rivers ran red with the blood of the warriors.” On Feb. 15, there was a special meeting of the school and parish executives with the Mayor to hear his plan for the future of Maui that includes cutting off part of our property for road construction. It is also noteworthy that this year marks the 100th anniversary of Wailuku as the county seat. Maui County includes the islands of Lanai and Molokai.

United with the Church around the world we have been praying for the health of Pope John Paul II. Relief from disasters in Iran and California are also included in our daily intentions. During Lent we have the Way of the Cross for both children and adults every week; we already had our Lenten penance service.

For Presidents’ Day weekend Brother Jose Degorio, a native Mauian, and Brother Jim Dods who labored here for many years, collaborated in introducing Maui to Brother Dave Herbold. Actually, Brother Dave had visited Maui some thirty years earlier so he could contrast the old with the new. Following their visit Ms. Roberta Fitzpatrick joined us nearly a year after her first visit to Maui. Those familiar with Maui will remember the Kahului Shopping Center. The Ah Fook’s Super Market and many other stores and offices were severely damaged in a huge fire that was intensified by strong winds Sunday afternoon, Feb. 27. The fire is believed to have begun in the Salvation Army center.

As I send out this report, I am also preparing for the meetings of the Provincial Chapter and Social Justice committee in Saint Louis with a short visit to Dayton in between. I am scheduled to return to Maui just in time to celebrate the Paschal Triduum. Be assured I am with you in spirit as we go through this prayerful season of Lent, the great mysteries of Holy Week, and the glorious celebration of Easter.

ST