b'The View From HereA SPARK OF SUNSHINEMarianist Brother Allen Pacquing shares his sunny disposition, Hawaiian sense of hospitality and unconditional acceptance with everyone he meets.By Alex Z. SalinasFollowing World War II, a surge of young menALL PHOTOS: ROBIN JERSTADfrom the United Statesmany of whom were18-year-oldsjoined the Society of Mary, eagerto help mend the country in the name of God. Today,becoming a professed Marianist is an increasinglylengthy process that involves years of formation toensure that participants are well-prepared for a lifeof religious service. When Marianist Brother AllenPacquing professed his final vows in October, hestepped into the Society of MaryHawaiians arewith a lifetime of experience. At age 50, Brother Allenthe newabout hospitality,associate director of Marianist Studentrespect for theirInitiatives for the Office of Commu-environment. If yourenity Engagement at St. Marys Uni-in a beautiful place,versity in San Antoniorecalls ait does shape you.comfortable former career thatearned him the means to travel the Brother Allen Pacquing, SM world. I never thought I was goingto be a Marianist Brother, he says. Shaped by Hawaiian cultureBorn in Honolulu, Brother Allen says he and his oldersister were raised by Filipino immigrant parents ina tight-knit Catholic family.At St. Anthonys Church in the Kalihi neighborhood,I knew community before learning about the Marianists.Im very church-y and not ashamed to say it, he quips. Early on, Brother Allen spent time around priestsand nuns within his extended family. A religiouscommunity of Filipina womenCongregation ofthe Religious of the Virgin Maryinfluenced hisidentity and inspired in him a profound sense of joy.That joy, Brother Allen acknowledges, also stemsfrom his scenic home state. Hawaiians are about hospitality, respect for theirenvironment. If youre in a beautiful place, it doesshape you, he says.Brother Allen graduated in 1988 from Saint LouisBrother Allen Pacquing, SM School, a Marianist-sponsored high school in Honolulu,14 Call 1.800.348.4732'