I was on the mainland for several days in March, first to attend the meeting of the Provincial Chapter in Saint Louis, then to visit in Dayton before returning to Saint Louis for the meeting of the Province Committee for Peace and Justice. There was a link between the two meetings in that “Advancing Justice” is a key component of the newly formulated Mission Statement for the Province of the USA. In our committee meeting we emphasized the importance of integrating the contemplative dimension of our life with a genuine community life and the promotion of social justice. More succinctly, our goal is to help develop prayerful, apostolic communities.

The Provincial Chapter was held at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center (Marycliff) near Saint Louis. The committee meeting was held at the Provincial Office in Saint Louis. Some thirty people there provide service to the Province and beyond. That’s about half of the number we had prior to the unification of the four provinces. What makes that even more remarkable is that the new province has an excellent office of communications – something we didn’t have in any structured way prior to the merger. Our weekend meeting coincided with meetings of the General and Provincial Councils so the office was quite busy.

On the first day of Spring I returned to Maui and I was able to readjust quickly to participate wholeheartedly in the Triduum and Easter Sunday. What makes these days extraordinary at Saint Anthony’s is the enthusiastic participation of so many in the liturgies under the direction of Ms. Winona Iwata. While I was away Maui enjoyed plentiful rain and the island was fresh and green for Easter. But it also was cool for the Easter Vigil and there was little sun for Easter Sunday. The splendor of the Resurrection Liturgy, however, and the enthusiasm of the people made everything glorious.

Earlier in March Father James Orsini came over from Kauai for a funeral and Brother John Habjan, from our Provincial Office, led a team visit to the high school. After Easter Mr. Myles McCabe, Province Director of the Peace and Justice Office, had a lively weekend visit to see what we are doing to promote social justice in both the parish and high school.

In addition to all his pastoral responsibilities, Father Ray has been attentive to the proposed plan of the county to extend a road through part of the diocesan property on which our schools and church are located.

In response to most frequently asked questions about Saint Anthony’s and about Maui, I can now tell you that our parish currently numbers over 700 active families and that the latest statistics on the ethnic makeup of Maui are: 42% White; 19% Filipino; 18% Japanese; 14% Hawaiian; 2% Chinese; and 5% Other.

I try to send greetings from Maui to each of the Marianist jubilarians for the actual anniversary. Accordingly, before leaving for the meetings on the mainland I wrote to Brother Mathias Satowaki in Tokyo because March 25 was the 85th anniversary of his first profession of vows! At 104 he is relatively hale and hearty!

The Easter Season seems to be the preferred time for blessing of homes so I have been on the road frequently.
I have learned much about Wailuku and surrounding areas, but more importantly I have come to know several young families who are starting a new life just as the Easter Liturgy empowers us to do!

From time to time I have mentioned Brother Frank Gomes. He lives in the old family homestead in nearby Makawao where he cares for his mentally and physically handicapped brother John Edward. As Brother Frank (Paco) says, his brother has two names and two personalities: “John is the loving and caring musician and Edward can be angry, violent, and abusive.” Brother Frank adds: “Lately we see more of John and less and less of Edward!” Besides taking care of his brother and the home, Brother Frank teaches English to a group of Latinos at St. Theresa’s Parish in Kihei. His prize student is Father Jose Augusto who has just come from Colombia to take over the direction of the Hispanic Ministry on Maui. John Edward and Brother Frank are members of the St. Joseph Parish in Makawao. It was there that they were baptized, confirmed, made their first communion and graduated from the eighth grade. Brother Frank graduated from Saint Anthony’s in 1958 when all his teachers were Marianists. He returned to Maui to teach at Saint Anthony’s for ten years (1976-1986).

We are in frequent communication with Brother James Vorndran in Dayton. Brother James will join our community this summer and so strengthen the Marianist presence on Maui. Meanwhile, as we continue to celebrate the Easter Season we are preparing for the 150th anniversary of Saint Anthony Parish on April 17.

ST