La Salette Father Maurice Cardinal, 84, was born and raised in Laconia, N.H., one of eight siblings. He was ordained on June 3, 1950, in Fall River, Mass., and was assigned to the Philippines. Father Cardinal spent 40 years there serving as a pastor at several parishes, as the local community superior for five years, and as the director of retreat houses and shrines for five years. He was next assigned as the assistant pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Waipahu, Oahu, from 1990 to 1993. Father Cardinal then spent seven years as pastor at Our Lady of the Desert Church in Apple Valley, Calif. He’s been the administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Hawi on the Big Island since 2000.
1. What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is being close to my younger brother and doing everything together. We participated in neighborhood games and sports like swimming in summer and evening skiing under the lights in wintertime.
2. Who have you admired most in your life?
La Salette Father Conrad Blanchet. He was a fellow missionary in the Philippines, eventually superior general of the La Salette Fathers, and was also for a while stationed in Kauai. He was a strong and vibrant leader but always kind and understanding, well-liked by all, yet firm in his positions and decisions.
3. What is your favorite Bible passage and why?
My favorite Bible passage is Matthew 28:19: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations ...” since those words give meaning to my vocation. [They reflect] the words of Mary at La Salette: “Well, my children, you will make this known to all my people.” [In September 1846, Mary appeared to two children near La Salette in the French Alps.]
4. What book are you reading now?
I am re-reading “Community, Eucharist, and Spirituality” by Kenan B. Osborne, OFM. It brings out the great importance of the community in the Eucharistic celebration. The book says, “Eucharist helps one understand a Jesus community; and a Jesus community helps one understand the Eucharist.”
5. What is your hidden talent?
If I have any hidden talent, it could possibly be Reconciliation since I’ve had different occasions in my life where I was able to bring it forth in families, as well as, in parishes as a whole. It’s truly enjoyable and rewarding to see peace develop.
6. Where is the one place you have never been but always wanted to visit?
I would have truly enjoyed visiting the La Salette Mission on the island of Madagascar. I volunteered to work there in 1950, but Community circumstances led me to accept my Philippines assignment.
7. What is your favorite television show?
My favorite shows are usually sports, especially baseball and football. Though lately I have greatly enjoyed “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” I often fail.
8. What’s the Church's biggest challenge today
The church, not only the hierarchy, must be able to inspire our youth to follow Christ in their lives. A new and modern approach must be developed somehow so they grasp that only in faith and the church will they find what they are searching for.