Hawaii '05 - continued!

A TIME OF HEALING
It was a weekend event that gave the attendees (about 40 high school and grade school teens for Honolulu) as well as the team comprised of past Confirmandis and adult helpers.

The setting for the retreat was St. Anthony Retreat Center, nestled in the beautiful and restful hills on the north side of Oahu. The vegetation was lush, many varieties of flowers and plant life as well as exotic birds. The perfect setting for a retreat (except for the many wild roosters [hundreds in the hills which were released from captivity due to the illegal ‘cock fight’ events] who began their mornings around 3am instead of the traditional sunrise serenade).

The events of the weekend unfolded gradually as it does for most retreats. The usual ‘getting to know you’ ice breakers with lotsa music, fun conversation and some late nights coupled with a variety of fantastic island foods and snacks.

On Saturday evening the teens and the team experienced MEETING JESUS AT THE WATER’S EDGE with a wonderful response [from those in the dimly lit chapel] inspired by the reflective music and actions of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Many of the teens began to experience meeting Jesus in unique ways: with tears of sadness and of joy; of release of anxieties and fears; and emotions that cried out to the Lord through the whole chapel for over 2 hours.

On Sunday, the teens shared with their parents [present for the final conference TAKING JESUS HOME WITH YOU] what had taken place for many of them the evening before. About how Jesus’ healing touch affected so many of them. A truly blessed morning began to unfold for everyone as the teens began to share, one by one, the intimate happenings of the night before.

After the closing Liturgy, the parents (came forward as a ‘family unit’ with their teens) to ask for intercessory prayer for their respective families.

What took place was a tremendous love of Christ for so many hurting-- both as family and as individuals-- within the family unit. All the fears and thoughts of despair, of substance abuse and runaways, of infidelity and sickness began to unfold-- and so much more that could fill numerous written pages. The retreat was a beautiful example of the love of Christ for the family and how he touched so many in such a short span of time.

ON TO THE OTHER ISLANDS…

We took a one-day pilgrimage to Molaka’i (the leper colony of 30 in residence) on the island of Kalapapa and spent the whole day there on a tour coupled with lunch, prayer and reflection in the chapel and the many cemeteries. In was a humbling experience to be there and listen to the history of the island and how Fr. Damian ministered to their needs for so many years and died of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) as well.

We then left for Maui for an overnight stay and a healing service at St. Joseph Church and meeting so many wonderful islanders.

Then, back to Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki) for the remainder of our two-week stay for area healing services at a number of local churches. Jesus touched so many people during our stay with his love and mercy.

During our stay we had the opportunity to visit a Benedictine Monastery in the foothills of the North coast of Oahu, as well as praying for individuals with debilitating diseases and quadriplegics in convalescent and private homes. We had the privilege of praying for and presenting the water’s edge prayer for the staff of a local Catholic elementary school on Oahu as well. What a blessing to reach out to so many in such a short time.

There were many parishes that already had Lenten programs and missions scheduled before our arrival, but had extended an invitation for us to return next year.
We have an opportunity, to do the Deacon/ Wife Retreat for the Diocese of Honolulu next year as well.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE YOUTH and PEOPLE OF HAWAII AND FOR THE EUCHARISTIC APOSTLES OF DIVINE MERCY.

THANK YOU ROSE AND TONY, JOE AND LUISA, PAT, LEMOME, FR. G and all who made our stay in the beautiful island of Oahu -- a BLESSING

Hawaii will be once again on our schedule for 2006.

While there we received an invitation to come to Sydney Australia this Fall 2005. This is in the planning stages at the present time AS WELL as Frankfort Germany this coming summer. PRAY FOR THIS TRIP AS WELL. 

Thoughts & Prayers From Hawaii
Deacon Frank and Bev,

Aloha Ke Akua! It has been such a privilege to meet both of you. My heart welled with aloha for your generous accolades of the people here. Most of all, Deacon Frank, I am touched by your humbleness and the generous giving of yourself in the footsteps of Jesus. Yes, we experienced Jesus in our midst as you ministered to us. Aunty Dorothy and her daughter felt so blessed to have you pray with them.

I am glad that you both will be coming back next year. God is good! My continued prayers for good and faithful servants such as both of you.

Mahalo nui loa,
Pat Pait