Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace
Fr. Chaminade ministered in a time of fear, violence and division after the French Revolution and was influenced by the call for Fraternity, Liberty and Equality. We too, in this time of fear, violence, and division, must come together as a people of faith in need of healing and reconciliation. As we encounter Christ in the shadows of hate and violence may we pray and act for a more fraternal, free and equal society. We would like to encourage you to spend time reflecting on the hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” during your prayers as we prepare for Easter. How you will act for peace, healing and reconciliation?
The Society of Mary (Marianists,) an international congregation of Catholic priests and brothers, announced today that it is withdrawing from St. Anthony’s Parish on the Hawaiian island of Maui, effective July 1, 2021. The departure results from multiple factors, including a declining and aging population of priests and brothers in the congregation. As part of the withdrawal, the Diocese of Honolulu will assume day-to-day operations of the parish and its spiritual community, with full details to be announced in the coming weeks.
“This was a difficult decision that we didn’t take lightly, especially given the Marianist’s historic presence in Hawaii and special relationship with the St. Anthony’s community,” said Father Oscar Vasquez, SM, Marianist provincial. “However, after reviewing all of our available resources, it was ultimately decided that the spiritual, physical and social needs of St. Anthony’s parishioners would be best served by the diocese moving forward, and we’re grateful for its support.”
Current Marianists assigned to the parish community include Pastor Rev. Roland Bunda, SM, Associate Pastor Rev. Sylverius Kerketta, SM, Pastoral Assistant Bro. Fred Silbereis, SM, and in residence Bro. Dave Quigley, SM. All will be assigned to other duties. Although the withdrawal will result in no active Marianists serving the island of Maui, the society will still maintain a significant presence in the region, including Chaminade University of Honolulu and Saint Louis School. The Marianists will continue to provide ongoing support and resources to the existing Lay Marianist groups both on Oahu and Maui. Similarly, we are pleased to continue our sponsorship of St. Anthony’s school.
St. Anthony’s is a special community, with its roots on the island dating back more than 150 years. Founded by the Fathers of the Order of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1848, the parish has grown over the decades to include a diverse parish of more than 900 families, many focused ministries, a preschool, cemetery and the only Catholic High School on the island of Maui. Although the Marianists formally assumed leadership of St. Anthony’s Parish in 1976, the order was already well known to the community, having founded the Wailuku School for Boys in 1883 at the invitation of the Sacred Heart’s Fathers.
The Marianists are planning a parish farewell event on May 23, 2021 to honor the many brothers and priests who have served the parish there and to thank the St. Anthony Community for their collaboration and support.
Bro. Allen Pacquing Professes Perpetual Vows
Bro. Allen Agpaoa Pacquing professed perpetual vows in the Society of Mary (Marianists) on Oct. 3, 2020, at Guadalupe Chapel on the campus of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Fr. Oscar Vasquez, provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States, presided at the Eucharist and received the vows. Fr. Tim Kenney, assistant for religious life, concelebrated and presented Bro. Allen for the Rite of Religious Profession.
Due to precautions taken in light of the coronavirus pandemic, physical attendance of the celebration was limited to 45 friends and members of the Marianist community donning masks and socially distanced. However, the vow ceremony was livestreamed so that Marianist family members and friends from throughout the world were able to virtually witness the celebration.
Bro. Allen Pacquing, 50, was born to a religious, Filipino-American family and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He earned an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Santa Clara University in California, in 2003. In 2013, Allen asked himself, “Who would have guessed that I would enter the novitiate at this stage in my life? Certainly not me, but God had other plans. I just needed to listen and to be open to His call.”
After professing his first vows in Dayton, Ohio on May 23, 2015, Bro. Allen was assigned to Chaminade University of Honolulu as the Minister for Liturgy and Worship. He then transitioned to be the Coordinator of the Tutoring Center and Testing Services. In 2017, Bro Allen was promoted to Director of Campus Ministry.
With Bro. Allen’s expertise in student life and pastoral care, he was asked to be the Chaplain for Student Development at St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas in 2019. Living at the Holy Rosary Marianist Community, Bro. Allen continues to learn the culture and history of San Antonio and how our Marianist influence shaped the local community. With his knowledge and willingness to serve in the Division of Student Development, he accepted the position as the associate director of Community Engagement, Marianist Student Initiatives at St. Mary’s University.
Please click here to view/download the Liturgy/Profession of Perpetual Vows Order of Worship.
Please click here to view more photos for Bro. Allen Pacquing’s perpetual vows.
Please click here to view the beautiful reception videos for Bro. Allen Pacquing’s perpetual vows.
Thank you for remembering Brother Allen A. Pacquing, S.M. in your prayers.