Kailua Celebrates the Month of the Rosary

This ministry is happy to report that several special events have been ongoing in Kailua to celebrate the "Month of the Holy Rosary" ...

🌹 First Saturday Rosary for Peace & Sunday Rosaries

First off, St. Anthony of Padua Church's longstanding monthly First Saturday Rosary for Peace had hit another major milestone on 10/4/2025 - it's 15th Anniversary and what abundant graces we've received since we started!

In addition, Rosaries are being prayed by our congregation, 35 minutes prior to every Mass during the month of October.  Come and pray with us ... and in the months ahead, consider making the Five First Saturdays Devotion (see above) at our parish.  We continue to have Confession, Rosary, and Vigil Mass every Saturday afternoon beginning at 4pm.

(NOTE: At neighboring St. John Vianney Church, for the month of October, the congregation is praying the Rosary every Saturday morning after the 8am Mass led by the parish's Sodality of Mary.)

🌹 Pilgrim Madonna Home Visits

Initially implemented by our Pastor, Fr. Tony, for the month of October 2024, then again in May 2025, we started with 2 statues that traveled at 3-day intervals between 26 homes in Kailua.  The statues were a Fatima image provided by a friend and a Lady of Grace statue owned by this ministry.

   

ABOVE:  The two original Pilgrim Madonnas

and Fr. Tony commissioning 4 (of 5) Pilgrim

Madonnas for October 2025.

BELOW:  A few photos of the Queen of Peace

Pilgrim Icon visiting parish homes.

This October 2025, our parishioners responded so enthusiastically, we had to add more 3 images, which includes this ministry's Queen of Peace Icon with its three stones collected from sites in Medjugorje sanctified by the Virgin Mary’s continuing apparitions there: Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, and the Blue Cross locations.  With the additional Pilgrim Madonnas, our Blessed Mother will now get to visit over 60 homes in which parishioners have committed themselves to pray the Rosary for the duration of the visitation - I personally anticipate great graces for our families and general community!

🌹 America Needs Fatima (ANF) Rosary Rally 2025

Once again, Auntie Patty Vargas and her extended family hosted its annual ANF Rosary Rally at their Kailua home.  This wonderful family has been faithfully hosting uninterrupted annual rallies since 2009 (except for 2020 due to the covid pandemic).  The event is something many of us, fortunate enough to be invited, look forward to each year because of its devout atmosphere ... and the light-hearted fellowship and delicious luncheon that follows the prayers.  This year's rally did not disappoint.

The Vargas Ohana's 2025 Rosary Rally in

Kailua (Oahu), Hawaii ...

An annual event of Prayer, Faith, Food & Fellowship!

🌹 Affirmations

With all these special observances honoring the Holy Mother of Christ in our parish, spiritual fruits have inevitably followed: increased Mass attendance; increased OCIA enrollments this year; increased participation in parish-sponsored special events/celebrations (e.g. the Rosary Marathon, Pilgrim Madonna program, etc.); increased membership with our FIAT: Faith In Action Today Prayer Group; and, lastly, seemingly increased signs in the skies above our two Kailua parishes (St. Anthony of Padua Church and St. John Vianney Church)!

On the morning of the 10/11/2025 Rally:

the Holy Mother's figure was witnessed from

St. John Vianney Church's garden shrine.  She

expressed her joy over all the Rosary Rallies

being held around the world!

It all goes to show that wherever Our Lady is venerated through the Rosary, her loving, motherly presence is there ... and, trust me - she comes loaded with gifts!

Ave Maria & Thanks be to God!

Saint of the Month - October 2025: Saint Maria Crescentia Hoss

St. Maria Crescentia Höss

A Life of Faith & Service

+ Early Life and Calling

Maria Crescentia Höss was born on October 20, 1682, in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany.  She was the sixth of eight children in a poor weaving family, and from an early age, she displayed a profound devotion to prayer and charity.  Despite her family's financial struggles, Crescentia felt a strong calling to religious life and desired to join the Franciscan Tertiaries in Kaufbeuren.  However, due to her lack of a dowry, she was initially denied entry into the convent.

Her fate changed when the Protestant mayor of Kaufbeuren, recognizing her virtue, intervened on her behalf.  He purchased a tavern adjacent to the convent and donated it to the sisters, requesting that Crescentia be admitted in return.  Though reluctantly accepted, she faced harsh treatment from the superior, who saw her as a burden.  She was assigned the most difficult and menial tasks, and was even denied a room in the convent so had to sleep on the floor in the cells of sympathetic nuns.  She endured this humiliation for years, yet remained steadfast in her faith and humility.

+ Life in the Convent

In 1703, Crescentia officially entered the convent, and by 1704, she professed her vows.  Over time, her patience and evident holiness won the respect of her fellow sisters.  In 1726, she was appointed novice mistress, a role in which she guided young women in their spiritual formation.  Her wisdom and deep prayer life made her a sought-after advisor, and even princes, bishops, and cardinals consulted her.

In 1741, our Saint was elected superior of the convent, despite her initial reluctance to accept the position.  She emphasized silence, recollection, and devotion to Christ Crucified, encouraging her sisters to deepen their spiritual lives.  She also promoted trust in Divine Providence, ensuring that the convent remained focused on virtue rather than material wealth.

+ Mystical Experiences

A significant aspect of Crescentia's legacy was her remarkable mystical experiences, which enriched her spiritual life and influenced those around her.  She frequently had visions of heavenly mysteries, particularly after receiving Holy Communion, and she also performed miracles.  One of her most striking supernatural feats was reportedly carrying water in a sieve after she was ordered to do so by her superior.  The task was likely imposed on her to test her obedience, as well as to break her resolve but it backfired in a spectacular manner!  This miraculous act demonstrated to her companions her sincerity and unwavering faith, and the tide began turning in her favor.  

Though her visions initially troubled her, she eventually embraced them as divine graces, recognizing them as gifts meant to strengthen her devotion and guide others in their spiritual journeys.  Furthermore, St. Crescentia's connection to the Holy Spirit was so alive that she saw Him as a beautiful youth dressed in a long white robe, which was a departure from the common iconography of the white dove; a depiction of her visions of the Holy Spirit was later painted in 1728.

The Holy Spirit, as He appeared

to St. Crescentia.

And lastly, this mystic was one of the rare souls who participated in the Passion of Christ in a physical manner - a Stigmatic - who relived the Lord's sufferings every Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM while in a state of prolonged ecstasy.

+ Spiritual Legacy and Canonization

Throughout her life, Crescentia not only endured spiritual trials but she also had various maladies, including severe headaches, toothaches, and crippling chronic pain that eventually left her bedridden.  Despite her afflictions, she remained joyful and continued to offer spiritual counsel.  She passed away on April 5, 1744, which was an Easter Sunday; a fitting end for a woman completely devoted to following Christ even to the Cross.

An A.I.-generated portrait of the Saint based

on the image shown above.

The deceased nun's enduring reputation for holiness in Germany eventually led to her Beatification in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII, and her Canonization in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.  Her relics are venerated at the Crescentiakloster in Kaufbeuren, where pilgrims continue to seek inspiration from her holy life.

The Saint’s tomb in her Franciscan Convent

+ Conclusion

St. Crescentia Höss exemplified unwavering faith, humility, and perseverance.  From enduring rejection and cruel treatment to becoming a revered spiritual leader, her life serves as a testament to the power of trust in God.  Her legacy continues to inspire those who seek a deeper connection with our Faith.

St. Maria Crescentia Hoss,

pray for us!

Jubilee Rosary Marathon, 9/24/2025: Did Our Lady descend?

This past Wednesday, as part of my parish's program of activities coinciding with the visit of our Diocese's Jubilee Pilgrim Cross, members of our FIAT Prayer Group lead a "Rosary Marathon" in our church ... and, boy, was it powerful!

   

The hour and twenty minutes it took for the congregation to pray all four Mysteries of the Rosary was like a spiritual pilgrimage - a reflective and intimate journey with our Lord and Blessed Mother through the key events of their earthly lives.

What's more is that throughout our prayer time, the presence of the Divine seemed to be especially tangible and several parishioners commented to me about it.  In fact, I snapped a few photos for this blog and one pic seemed to affirm our sense - see below:

What do you see?

I can't say for certain that the curious figure captured in the pic is a special sign from our Blessed Mother because there's a group of statues in a garden out there, and it could just be a natural play of light and shadows on one of them ... but what's puzzling is that the silhouette simply doesn't look anything like any one of the outdoor statues (see below).  Instead, it coincidentally has a striking resemblance to the statue we had displayed in the church Sanctuary - Our Lady of Grace - with its distinctive cloak and arms extended downward.  So it has me and those who I showed the photo to wondering if there's something more to the image.

   

To the right: The beautiful statuary in our

parish, depicting the Crucifixion

But regardless of the photo, I have no doubt our parishioners were indeed abundantly showered with grace from above ... through the True Presence of our Eucharistic Lord in the Tabernacle; through the maternal intercession of Our Lady and her promised graces associated with the Rosary Prayer; through the Pilgrim Cross and the Plenary Indulgence attached to it; and through the light-hearted fellowship that bonds our parish community together.  These are where the greatest blessings come from.

Refreshments and fellowship time

It goes without saying that this night's event was a spiritual success and left us all filled with HOPE in keeping with the Jubilee Year of Hope.  Our awesome GOD was present - THANKS BE TO HIM.

Monthly Message from the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje: September 2025

  “Dear children, my little children, my beloved ones; you are chosen because you have responded, you have put into practice my instructions and love God above all else. Therefore, little children, pray with all your heart that my words may be realized. Fast, sacrifice yourselves, love out of love for God Who created you, and be, little children, my extended hands to this world that has not come to know the God of love. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Look what I found on Temu!

If you're looking for Catholic devotional items, check out Temu (a Chinese e-commerce site)!  It's surprising what you can find there - from Miraculous Medals, to Rosaries, and Statues - and the prices are excellent!  But one tip: Read the product descriptions carefully, as well as the reviews, if there are any.

Deals from Temu: 8" Lady of Kibeho statue

($9) and 3" St. Carlo Acutis figurine ($12)

Saints & Relics Presentation: Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 9/21/2025

This ministry again spoke to the parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Honolulu.  In particular, the presentation was geared towards a small group of those going through OCIA in preparation for entering the Catholic Church, but other seasoned parishioners attended as well.

14 Saints and relics were discussed and presented to the audience: St. Bernadette of Lourdes; Ven. Maria Domenica Lazzeri; Bl. Maria Carmen of the Child Jesus; St. Carlo Acutis; the Martyrs of Uganda; St. Elizabeth Ann Bailey Seton; Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin; St. Therese of Lisieux; St. Padre Pio; St. Peregrine Laziosi; St. Pope John Paul II; and Our Lady.

This presentation especially touched this author's heart in that the audience was particularly engaged and expressive.  After the talk, I invited those who needed a special prayer to come forward to be anointed with Blessed Oil from the Sanctuary of St. Philomena in Mugnano del Cardinale, Italy.  I was deeply moved by the personal testimonials that were shared by certain people; the trials some were enduring, via hard circumstances or illnesses such as dreaded cancer; the sincere gratitude of many, despite their challenges.

Some people wept openly and I felt the profound heaviness in their hearts as we prayed together, which was difficult ... but to see them walk away looking visibly relieved and "lighter" was hopeful.  It had to be the power of the Holy Spirit at work, along with the compassionate intercession of Our Lady and the Saints.  I left the church with high hopes that there were special graces granted to every attendee and faith was strengthened.

All Thanks and Praises be to God and His Saints!

* * T E S T I M O N I A L * *

Text messages received from this presentation's Parish Coordinator concerning one of the attendee's recent experience:

FOR DISCERNMENT: Pray and Read Scriptures

I had another unusual experience; actually two successive ones.  It started two days ago - Friday morning, 9/19/2025 - at about 6:45am as I began my daily Rosary Prayer.  Not long after, I felt the spiritual presence of Our Lady and immediately asked her if there was something she needed from me, or if she wanted to tell me something for myself or for the world in general.  There was no response.

After several moments, still sensing her presence, I again inquired with our Blessed Mother if she wanted to say something.  The second time around she answered and this is what I heard:

"There is really nothing more

to say.  I have already spoken in

the past - read the messages of

Fatima.  I continue to urge you to

take up your Rosaries and pray.

This is your weapon.

And read Scriptures.  Read

Daniel and Revelation.

All has already been revealed."

Familiar with the Book of Revelation, I understood it was prophetically apocalyptic in nature, but I wasn't too certain what the Book of Daniel contained other than references about St. Michael the Archangel rising in our troubled times in Chapter 12.  I did further research and was surprised to learn that the Book of Daniel is also highly apocalyptic in nature and more prophecies about the Latter Days could be read in the book's Chapter 7.

Fast forward to yesterday morning - Saturday,  9/20/2025.  Before attending Mass in St. John Vianney Church, I paid my respect to Our Lady, via her statue at the parish's outdoor Marian shrine.  I asked our Blessed Mother to grant me a sign that the message I heard the day before was truly from her and not a figment of my imagination.  I then felt her presence again, along with a strong "inner prompting" to snap a photo.  Without seeing anything unusual up in the sky, I went ahead and took several.  Later after reviewing the pics, I was amazed to discover a remarkable cloud image in one of the photos - it was the confirmation I needed before posting this blog.

Pray the Rosary and read the Word of God!  These are our weapons!  I get the strong impression from the words I heard that Our Lady is strongly indicating (at least to my understanding) that the time for messages is passing as she has nothing new to add to the many messages she has already given us at several Church-approved Marian Apparitions.  We now need to live them.

May each reader discern.  

What have we become?

In roughly two short weeks it seems our headlines have been dominated by news of one violent crime after another:

• the horrific Minneapolis church shooting of children in a Catholic church

• the stabbing of an innocent young woman in a subway train in North Carolina (bystanders did nothing to help the girl or stop the suspect)

• another school shooting in Colorado

• and a culmination two days ago with the assassination of conservative Christian political activist, Charlie Kirk, in a college campus in Utah

It's especially troubling because, when one takes a close look at these events, one will see a clear trend - most were committed by fairly young individuals ... and I strongly suspect there were direct diabolic influences at play.

The 23-year-old Minneapolis church shooter

and a drawing he did in his notebook ...

It all begs the question: What have we become as a society?  The Bible - in II Timothy 3:1-4 - provides an accurate answer:

  "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

Considering all that's occurring, I think that particular Scriptural Prophecy is spot on ... and when youth in their teens (or barely out of it) are plotting and committing murders as easily as playing video games, it means there's something seriously broken with our society; extremely DARK and sinister ... and it's basically OUR fault.  It all boils down to one reason: We've drifted far, far away from GOD who is the true LIGHT.

The shooting in Colorado

I'm personally disturbed because it wasn't like this 40 years ago when I was in my teens; things were much more simple back then and kids were ... well ... behaving like kids!  We actually played with each other - dodge ball, bike rides, street football, camping in our neighborhood treehouse, etc. - and the thought of committing such heinous acts of violence against each other never crossed our minds.  But slowly, deliberately, and systematically certain groups started pushing Jesus/God out of schools and, when that was accomplished, there followed a brewing storm of dangerous trends and philosophies (e.g. hedonism, socialism, gender ideologies, euthanasia, etc.) and occultism (e.g. esoteric mysticism, witchcraft, satanism, etc.), which have escalated today due to the aggressive mainstream promotion given them by certain celebrities, politicians, news reporters, and social media "influencers", most of who are clearly narcissists.  Their collective message can be summed up in one phrase: "Do what thou wilt", which is often purposely misrepresented as "enlightenment" and "personal liberation" from oppressive, outdated laws/rules.  But the phrase contradicts the hallowed and timeless words from the Lord’s Prayer - "Thy (God's) will be done" - and, essentially, God has been replaced by self-worship and/or worship of demonic spirits.  Ironically, rather than finding light, we've allowed darkness to grow exponentially and are now reaping what was sowed.

The suspect in the Charlie Kirk murder -

a 22-year-old man

What's unfortunate is - it didn't have to be like this.  Heaven has been warning us for centuries that if we stray from Jesus and the Gospel Truth things will only get worse.  Just research the approved, urgent messages Our Lady delivered at Lourdes (1858), Fatima (1917), Akita (1970s), and most recently Medjugorje (1981 - present).  With the two latest apparitions cited, those commenced with the onset of many of the self-destructive ideologies that have exploded in our present time, without a doubt to counteract them ... but the Virgin’s warnings are mostly ignored by the general public, including Catholics.

A tragedy prevented (note the suspect's age)

Yet despite the increased evil that surrounds us, there's still HOPE: the Gospel Message remains relevant and an effective solution ... we still have the saving grace of the Sacraments ... and Heaven continues to mercifully reach out - God has not abandoned us ... and if we just repent and commit ourselves to living His Divine Will, we can, at the very least, bring LIGHT into our own personal worlds in the form of Peace, Love, Joy, and Protection.  It's not too late to return to the Lord.

      

One way God is responding to the youth crisis -

the prophetic rise of young, holy role models

(L to R: St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Bl. Chiara

Badano, & St. Carlo Acutis)

To end this blog on a positive note, I share the footage below, which I filmed early this morning after Mass at St. Augustine by the Sea Church in Waikiki.  I believe it's an example of Heaven reaching out to remind us that we're not forgotten.  It captures a strange shadowy formation above the Tabernacle and Crucifix, which to this author uncannily resembled a silhouette of the Blessed Virgin Mary (it was an impressive sight in-person!).  Coincidentally, today is also the Marian Feast of the Holy Name of Mary ... so was it meant to represent Our Lady's maternal presence with us and a visible message of Hope?  I'd like to think so and what a comfort it was to have an affirmation that our Heavenly Mother is always close by watching over us.  Let us pray together with her for the conversion of sinners, especially our misguided children.  Ave Maria!

An unusual, yet familiar figure, appears

formed by a shadow seen above the crucifix

in St. Augustine Church in Waikiki.

9/20 - 9/25/2025: The Jubilee Pilgrim Cross Visitation at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Kailua

The Diocese of Honolulu's Jubilee Year Pilgrim Cross will be making a stop in our home parish later this month.  The "Pilgrim Cross" is part of our local Church's initiative to assist the Faithful in gaining the special Jubilee Year of Hope Plenary Indulgence.  Normally, to gain the indulgence, one must walk through one of the Holy Doors in Rome in conjunction with performing other pious acts, but for the majority who cannot make a pilgrimage to the Eternal City, praying in the presence of a Pilgrim Cross substitutes for the pilgrimage ... and affords people the opportunity to gain the Indulgence in their own dioceses.

More information about the Jubilee Year of Hope along with the necessary requirements to gain the Plenary Indulgence can be found here.

Below is the schedule of events at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Kailua - this is a great grace from the Church that shouldn't be missed!

All are welcome to participate!

Walking the Path of the Divine Will

A remarkable photo recently taken this past week after a FIAT: Faith In Action Today prayer meeting - I believe there's an important reminder in it and it's this: when we walk a path in accordance with God's Divine Will, we don't walk it alone.  Our Mother Mary and the inhabitants of Heaven journey with us every step of the way.

FIAT Marian Consecration Prayer

  O Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven, whose

Fiat was the dawn of the world’s salvation,

I consecrate myself to your Immaculate

Heart, invoking your special guidance this

day, as I strive to follow your example of

complete trust and surrender to the

Divine Will of God.

  Assist me in my efforts to live the way of

your Fiat and obtain for me from your Son

– our Lord, Jesus Christ – the grace of deeper

union with God so that, in all I do, His Will

may be accomplished through me.  And, thus,

transformed into a beacon of light against

the darkness of this world, may I serve to

draw others to His Kingdom.  Amen.

To learn more about the Divine Will Revelations, as revealed to the Servant of God, Luisa Piccarreta, click here.

Saint of the Month - September 2025: St. Hildegard of Bingen

St. Hildegard of Bingen

Prophetess, Visionary, & Doctor of the Church

Feast: September 17th

St. Hildegard of Bingen, often called the “Sibyl of the Rhine”, was one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages.  Born in Bermersheim, Germany, she was the tenth child of a noble family.  From early childhood she experienced profound mystical visions, though she often kept them hidden out of humility.  Recognizing a special call upon her life, her parents entrusted her to the care of Bl. Jutta of Sponheim, an anchoress at the Benedictine monastery of Disibodenberg.  There, Hildegard received her formation in prayer, Scripture, and the monastic way of life.  At 15 she professed religious vows, dedicating her life entirely to God.

+ Life and Leadership

After the death of her mentor Jutta in 1136, Hildegard was chosen as prioress of the community.  She soon distinguished herself as a wise and courageous leader, guiding her nuns with maternal care and spiritual depth.  Eventually, she founded her own convent at Rupertsberg near Bingen, and later another house at Eibingen.  Her leadership was marked by strength, vision, and profound reliance on Divine Providence.  She insisted on discipline and integrity but also cultivated a joyful atmosphere rooted in beauty, music, and the love of God.

Though a woman in a time when authority in the Church was dominated by men, Hildegard’s sanctity and wisdom earned her respect from abbots, bishops, emperors, and even popes.  She corresponded with figures such as Pope Eugenius III, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and King Henry II of England, offering counsel, prophetic warnings, and encouragement.

+ Mystical Experiences

From 3-years-old, Hildegard began experiencing luminous visions filled with Divine Light.  She described these encounters as the “Living Light,” in which she received knowledge that surpassed her natural capacity.  These visions revealed to her the mysteries of salvation, the beauty of creation, and the harmony of God’s design for the world.  At first reluctant to record them, she only began writing at the command of God and with the encouragement of St. Bernard and Pope Eugenius.

A depiction of St. Hildegard in her visionary

state, receiving the "Living Light"

Her first major work, “Scivias (Know the Ways)”, contains 26 visions illustrating the history of salvation from Creation to the end of time.  Later, she composed “Liber Vitae Meritorum (The Book of Life’s Merits)” and “Liber Divinorum Operum (The Book of Divine Works)”, which delve into theology, ethics, and the cosmic relationship between God and creation.  Her writings reveal a soul immersed in Divine Wisdom and aflame with zeal for truth.

+ Intellectual Gifts and Virtues

Hildegard was not only a visionary but also a polymath.  She wrote extensively on natural science, medicine, and music, seeing all creation as a reflection of God’s sublime beauty.  Her Physica and Causae et Curae examine the medicinal properties of plants, animals, and minerals, demonstrating her deep respect for the healing power of nature.  She also composed an astonishing body of sacred music—antiphons, hymns, and sequences—that continue to be performed today for their haunting beauty and spiritual power.

St. Hildegard’s beautiful vision of

the nine Choirs of Angels.

Her virtues shone clearly in her life.  She embodied humility, often calling herself a “poor little woman” unworthy of her gifts.  Yet this humility did not diminish her courage; she boldly admonished rulers and prelates when they strayed from justice and truth.  Her obedience to God was total, especially in her willingness to proclaim her visions despite fear of criticism.  Her charity was evident in her pastoral care, her guidance of souls, and her compassion for the sick through both spiritual and medicinal remedies.  Above all, Hildegard’s deep love for God was the source of her joy, creativity, and tireless service.

+ Final Years and Canonization

Hildegard continued to write, compose, and advise until her death in 1179 at the age of 81.  Her convents remembered her as a luminous figure of holiness, and veneration of her sanctity spread quickly.  Although she was revered locally as a saint for centuries, her canonization was not formally completed until Pope Benedict XVI declared her a saint and Doctor of the Church in 2012.  She is one of only four women Doctors, recognized for her extraordinary contribution to theology, spirituality, and culture.

An A.I. rendered, realistic image of

St. Hildegard based on an old woodcut

print shown above.

+ Legacy

St. Hildegard of Bingen stands as a radiant example of a life wholly surrendered to God.  Her mystical visions illuminate the Lord's plan of salvation, her writings reveal a mind of profound depth, and her music sings of the eternal harmony between heaven and earth.  Courageous in truth, humble in service, and aflame with Divine Love, she remains a guide for all who seek to unite intellect, faith, and creativity in the service of God.

St. Hildegard, pray for us!

Monthly Message from the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje: August 2025

  "Dear children, my little children, my beloved ones; you are chosen because you have responded, you have put into practice my instructions and love God above all else.  Therefore, little children, pray with all your heart that my words may be realized.  Fast, sacrifice yourselves, love out of love for God who created you, and be, little children, my extended hands to this world that has not come to know the God of love.  Thank you for having responded to my call."

Saints & Relics Presentation: Sacred Hearts Academy, 8/18/2025

Today, this ministry had the joy and blessing of visiting Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu to conduct a presentation/relic exhibit for approximately 60 Sophomore students.  I've never been to this historic parochial school so I was excited to speak at a new venue - plus the gothic-style architecture in the chapel was beautiful, along with the campus.

As for the presentation, it turned out to be an enlightening experience for the students.  For example, before speaking about St. Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes to the girls, I first asked if any of them had ever heard of the French Saint and the Holy Grotto associated with her; not one participant raised a hand (and it wasn't because they were being shy)!  I was somewhat surprised by this because there's actually a huge replica of the Lourdes Grotto prominently located in their campus, as seen below ...

A replica of the Lourdes Grotto at the

Sacred Hearts Academy campus

And sure - not all of the students there are Catholic so those girls have a reason for not knowing about Lourdes, but I'm certain the majority are Catholic so it struck me that they've never been schooled about the spiritual significance behind their own grotto.

So I shared the story of St. Bernadette: her 18 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in the grotto; the discovery of the miraculous spring; her holy life as a nun; and her incorrupt body.  The facial expressions I scanned in the audience - both the students and their respective teachers - shown with genuine interest and wide-eyed wonder, as I told the Saint's story and shared photos.  The same look was repeated over and over as the stories of several other holy individuals were narrated.

Relics on display for the students

In all, 11 relics were shared with the students, which included those belonging to St. Bernadette, Visionary of Lourdes; Bl. Carlo Acutis, Patron of Youth; St. Faustina Kowalska of Divine Mercy; St. Gianna Beretta Molla, Patroness of the Pro-Life Movement; Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin, Patrons of Families; St. Peregrine Laziosi, Patron of Cancer Patients; Bl. Pierina Morosini, Virgin & Martyr; Bl. Rolando Rivi, Martyr; St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower; and Our Lady's veil.

I often gauge the level of success of each presentation by the reaction of my audiences and by the feedback I receive after.  Today's talk seemed exceptionally successful because of what I saw reflected in the girls' faces and by their enthusiastic veneration of the relics present.  For sure, they all walked away knowing more than they did about our Saints ... and with greater appreciation for them, too - PRICELESS!

Students going up in small groups to view and

venerate the Saints and their respective relics.

All thanks and praises be to God!