An ex-prisoner's reflection on prayer

This book was written by a Vietnamese Cardinal who presents himself as a humble ex-prisoner. He spent more than thirteen years in prison, nine of which were in solitary confinement. Cardinal Van Thuan wrote of his experience: "After my liberation from prison many people said: "Father, you must have had a lot of time to pray in prison." Then he continued to say "The Lord allowed me to experience all my weakness, my physical and mental fragility. Time passes slowly in prison, above all in isolation. Imagine a week, one month, two months and more...of silence. They are terribly long, but when they become years, they are an eternity. There were days when, exhausted by fatigue and sickness, I did not manage to say a single prayer!" Ultimately, Cardinal Thuan looked to Jesus as a model for prayer.


"Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do" (Lk. 23:34).

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Lk. 23:42).

"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (Lk. 23:46).

Cardinal Thuan said that these short prayers help him to "sanctify everything".

Pauline Cooperators

The Pauline Cooperators are an Association of laity founded by Blessed James Alberione on June 19, 1917 in Alba, Italy. Its members share the charism and mission of the Pauline Family and they held their monthly gathering last Friday at the Pauline Bookscenter in Honolulu. Are you interested in learning more about the Pauline Cooperators in Hawaii? Contact Sr. Laura at 808-521-2730 to learn more...

Holy Week

This video clip which contains various sacred images and with the beautiful words sung by Josh Groban,helps us to reflect more deeply on God's unconditional love for humanity. Also, a poem by George Herbert entitled "Love" came to mind.

" Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack
from my first entrance in,
drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lack'd any thing."

There is so much to be learned of Divine Beauty from the silence of God.

Palm Sunday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace was dedicated in 1843 and it is where Saint Damien DeVeuster (Father Kamiano) was ordained to the priesthood (May 21, 1864). The Cathedral is the oldest Catholic Church and one of the oldest buildings in the Honolulu "downtown" area.
What a grace it is to be in this Church to celebrate Palm Sunday. Some members of the Samoan community beatifully weaved the pillars with palms. Mahalo nui loa!
Together with all the choirs of angels we sang "Hosanna in the highest."

"Now is the time to show your fidelity to God by embracing entirely the sacred wood of life, that is, the cross of Jesus Christ. Keeping yourself close to that sacred wood, you will never be shipwrecked, but will come safely to the port of salvation." -St. Paul of the Cross

How is Your Self-Esteem?

In this beautiful book, Sr Marie Paul helps us to see ourselves the way God sees us. One author gave this endorsement on the book:

“I wish this book had been around for me in my own journey. Marie Paul Curley is a deeply caring person and offers a guide to the comfort only God’s acceptance can provide.” – Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP Author of Making Peace with Yourself

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.

Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord

On this special day, we recall the Angelus prayer which we pray daily in the morning, noon and evening. Caryll Houselander once wrote: "It is in Our Lady that God fell in love with humanity. How consistent it is with the incredible tenderness of God that His Christ, the Immortal Child, should be conceived by the power the Spirit in the body of a child. That a child should bear a Child, to redeem the world. The surrender that is asked of us includes complete and absolute trust; it must be like Our Lady's surrender, without condition and without reservation." Let us also pray in a special way for all the members of the Institute of Mary the Annunciation, which was founded by Blessed James Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family.

Saint Damien of Molokai, pray for us.

"God and Father of all gifts,we praise you,the Source of all we have, and are! We thank you for our beloved Saint Damien, servant of God and Servant of humanity, of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, who ministered to the people of Kalawao and Kalaupapa, on the island of Molokai. On this beautiful days, we honor him as we honor you! teach us to acknowledge always the many good things your infinite love has given us. Help us to love you with all our heart. For you have said, "love one another as I have loved you!" (John 15:12) We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen." -Very Rev. Christopher Keahi, ss.cc

"Were it not for the constant presence of our Divine Master in our humble chapel, I would not have found it possible to persevere in sharing the lot of the afflicted in Molokai...The Eucharist is the bread that gives strength...It is the most eloquent proof of His love and the most powerful means of fostering His love in us. He gives Himself every day so that our hearts as burning coals may set afire the hearts of the faithful."
(Fr. Damien, Apostle of Molokai)

Thought for the Journey

From March 8, 2010 issue of the America magazine was an article entitled "God Is Ready...Are you? by James Martin, SJ. He posts a question to his assistance novice director:"What do I need to do before I can relate to God?""Nothing," he said. "God meets you where you are."

Daughters of St Paul Choir

Music is a universal language that speaks to us in
a unique way. I hope this song uplifts you and touches
your mind, heart and soul.

Upcoming Documentary

Your donations will be much appreciated! Mahalo!

Pauline Movie Events in Honolulu

Join us for faith, fun, and film.

We are beginning a monthly film program in January 2010: Meeting Jesus at the Movies.

This program is a response to the message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the 43rd WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY:

“New Technologies, New Relationships. Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendships.” (May 24, 2009)

WHEN: The 2nd Friday of every month except in January (29th)

TIME: 6:00pm

WHAT: Movie Nights: screening, refreshments, conversation about the scriptures and film (bridging faith and life.)

WHERE: Pauline Books & Media 1143 Bishop St. Honolulu, HI 96813

Please call Sister Linh for more information (808) 538-0084

MOVIES:

January 29—Finding Forrester
February 12—Romero
March 12—Fireproof
April 9—Changing Lanes
May 14—Molokai
June 11—Life as a House
July 9—Babette's Feast
August 13—The Mighty
Sept 10—Soloist
Oct 8—13th Day
November 12—Kite Runner
December 10—The Nativity Story

Book on Mother Marianne Cope

New arrival at Pauline Books & Media!

Here is an inspiring story of a great and holy woman-Blessed Marianne Cope of the Sisters of St. Francis of Syracuse, New York. She spent thirty years at Kalaupapa, Molokai, caring for Hansen Disease patients.


"I am not afraid of any disease; hence, it would be my greatest delight even to minister to the abandoned 'lepers'".

Welcome

Aloha and welcome to St. Paul's Corner!

Sr. Laura and Sr. Gioan Linh