Robert Louis Stevenson's Museum in Vailima,Samoa!

On my second trip to Samoa, I with some sisters are able to visit Robert Louis Stevenson's Museum in Vailima.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), Scottish poet, essayist, and author wrote Treasure Island (1883) and his study of split-personality, good versus evil in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886).
Stevenson immersed himself in the local culture and politics of his new home, and continued his prodigious output of novels and letters. The Samoans bestowed the name "Tusitala" or "Teller of Tales" on him. Stevenson purchased four hundred acres that would be the setting for his mansion "Vailima" (Five Rivers) in the village of same name. Robert Louis Stevenson died of a stroke on 3 December 1894. The following words are inscribed on his tomb at Mount Vaea:

"Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me,
Here he lies where he longed to be.
Home is the sailor home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill

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World Cup 2010 Theme Song

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King Kamehameha Day

This Presidential Proclamation was released by the office of the Press Secretary in the White House:

King Kamehameha Day
Two hundred years ago, King Kamehameha the Great brought the Hawaiian Islands together under a unified government. His courage and leadership earned him a legacy as the "Napoleon of the Pacific," and today his humanity is preserved in Ke Kanawai Mamalahoe, or "the Law of the Splintered Paddle." This law protects civilians in times of war and remains enshrined in Hawaii's constitution as "a unique and living symbol of the State's concern for public safety."

On this bicentennial King Kamehameha Day, we celebrate the history and heritage of the Aloha State, which has immeasurably enriched our national life and culture. The Hawaiian narrative is one of both profound triumph and, sadly, deep injustice. It is the story of Native Hawaiians oppressed by crippling disease, aborted treaties, and the eventual conquest of their sovereign kingdom. These grim milestones remind us of an unjust time in our history, as well as the many pitfalls in our Nation's long and difficult journey to perfect itself. Yet, through the peaks and valleys of our American story, Hawaii's steadfast sense of community and mutual support shows the progress that results when we are united in a spirit of limitless possibility.

In the decades since their persecution, Native Hawaiians have remained resilient. They are part of the diverse people of Hawaii who, as children of pioneers and immigrants from around the world, carry on the unique cultures and traditions of their forebears. As Americans, we can all admire these traits, as well as the raw natural beauty of the islands themselves. Truly, the Aloha Spirit of Hawaii echoes the American Spirit, representing the opportunities we all have to grow and learn from one another as we carry our Nation toward a brighter day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 11, 2010, as King Kamehameha Day. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the rich heritage of Hawaii with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

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First Friday Honolulu Gallery Walk

Check out the most exciting event to hit downtown Honolulu on the first Friday of every month! Chinatown is transforms into a place for those who wants to be the hip crowds at the many unique galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants that feature exciting art exhibits and free entertainment.


On this first Friday, June 4, 2010, Srs. Susan John and Gioan Linh join the Honolulu Gallery walk. We walk down to the Hawai`i State Art Museum to see the "Aerial Romance". It features a line-up of Jazz musicians Jeff Peterson, Steve Jones and Von Baron, with vocalists Starr Kalahiki, Rocky Brown, and trumpeter DeShannon Higa. The artistis set the stage for the premier aerial dance of Samadhi Hawaii, suspended from the trees on the Lawn


Samadhi Hawaii was founded on Maui in 2004 by ‘Ulalena original cast/ aerialist Andrea Torres, with Ana Prada, Marcus Quiniones and Yayoi Hara. An Aerial Dance Performance Troupe made in Hawaii!! Aerial dance takes the grace and precision of ballet, the flexibility of yoga and the whole-body strength, balance and technique of an acrobat. One of the performer is from Paris, France. Anasma did a Puja Dance. It was incredible!


Rocky Brown has performed at Carnegie Hall, been featured with the Honolulu Symphony, and performed with Philippine’s well renowned singer/songwriter Jose Marie Chan at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

With this experience, we want to keep learning about life itself and the art of living. We are being inculturated.

Lantern Floating-Memorial Day 2010

Memorial Day celebrations are unique in Honolulu. Besides the remembrances at Punchbowl Military Cemetery with the leis draped on each grave, the military jet fly over salute, the day ends with an ancient Japanese lantern floating ceremony.
The lanterns are set afloat with prayers representing our affection for the deceased. There are about 40,000 thousands people gather at Ala Moana Beach Park for yesterday's evening Lantern Floating Ceremony. The ceremony remembers those who gave their lives in conflict, allows for reflection on the memories of loved ones and dedicates prayers for a peaceful and harmonious future. Just as the waters of the Pacific merge with each ocean, the wish for peace and happiness extends from Hawaii across the globe. That's why the theme for this year's ceremony is "Many Rivers, One Ocean."
















A limited number of lanterns (2200) are available to the public. Sr Gioan Linh managed to pick up a lantern to share with Sr Susan John.
The program includes a Shinnyo taiko's performance which offered as a prayer for peace, Melinda Caroll, a singer-songwriter from Maui, performs country western music, the Oli and Hula,etc...

Memorial Day at Punchbowl National Cemetery

Today is Memorial Day in which our nation set aside to honor the memory of the men and women who died fighting in the United States armed forces. Memorial Day is typically observed by placing flags and flowers on graves and tossing flowers in the water to honor those who died at sea.





Here in Hawaii, the general public donate leis for Memorial Day.
Every year on Memorial Day fifty thousand fresh flower leis are placed on the graves of veterans at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu and at other veterans' cemeteries on Oahu and the outer islands. The donated leis are made of ti leaves or fresh flowers that measure 20 to 24 inches.
Sr. Margaret Timothy and Sr Madonna Janet dads are buried here at Punchbowl.



"The solemn pride that must be yours...to have laid..so cost by a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo and Kyoto

Father Nakagawa, our chaplain, shares with us of his trip to Japan.

"I was in Japan for two weeks, April 6-17. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom everywhere. They usually last only a week, but fortunately the cold weather kept them blooming. People turn out in droves to enjoy them. It's a wonderful spring time in Japan. These photos are from Tokyo and Kyoto. It's a sight you must experience."

Sisters Learn the Art of Japanese Clay Flowers

Bonita, a parishioner at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, was so gracious to come for a couple of hours to share her gift and expertise with in the Art of Japanese clay flower making. We gathered in our dining room with the fan humming over our heads and the tropical breeze blowing through the open window (our A/C died last night). Observe as the sisters make their first attempt to create roses, plumerias, leaves, etc..and a few bloopers! Mahalo to Bonita!

47th Merrie Monarch Festival April 4-10, 2010

The Merrie Monarch is a non-profit organization that began 46 years ago. This week event is taking place in Hilo(Hawaii also known as Big Island).

With its emphasis on hula, chant, Hawaiian language, and arts, the Merrie Monarch Festival has strived to contribute to the public's growing awareness of Hawaiian culture.

King David Kalâkaua was instrumental in reviving the hula during his reign.By perpetuating the traditional hula and chants, the people honor the Merrie Monarch himself.

After having watched the video clip of the 2005 Merrie Monarch, these inspired words from the Psalm came to mind: "Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence." (Ps. 16:10)

Prince Jonah Kuhio

Today is our state holiday honoring Prince Kuhio's birth. Prince Jonah Kuhio(1871-1922) became a politician as a delegate to the United States Congress after the Kingdom of Hawaii became the Territory of Hawaii. He was the first Hawaiian native and only person ever to be elected who was born a royal.