Photo courtesy of Chinese Catholic Ministry of Honolulu

Friends of Jesus’ Passover, an international group of young Chinese Catholics, perform at the Mamiya Theatre.
 

The highlight of the Friends’ July 29-31 visit was a “Moments of Light” concert at the Mamiya Theatre on the Saint Louis School campus.

The event, a joint production of the local Chinese ministry and their visitors, was an evening of beautiful songs composed by Friends of Jesus’ Passover, touching performances, inspirational stories, and prayer — in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Close to 300 people, including non-Christians, attended.

The young Chinese Catholics who make up the Friends of Jesus’ Passover come from various overseas Chinese communities. They are led by Father Giovanni Giampietro, affectionately known as “Father Yan,” a Chinese-speaking Italian priest based in the Diocese of Hong Kong.

Other activities associated with their stay included a visit with the seniors at the Maluhia Adult Care Health Center, a prayer gathering with the local Chinese Catholic community, and a gathering with the community’s youth and young adults.

The Friends’ 2008 itinerary — its 10th annual missionary journey — includes stops in Boston and Los Angeles, and Winnipeg and Edmonton in Canada. All members are volunteers who pay for their own airfare and request only the simplest of accommodations.

Chinese Catholic Ministry of Honolulu is a ministry of the Diocese of Honolulu based at Star of the Sea Church in Waialae-Kahala. Its members gather every Sunday at 10 a.m. to enrich their faith through prayer, sharing and fellowship, followed by bilingual Chinese-English Mass at 11:45 a.m.

The ministry’s other activities include a choir, retreats, charitable work, cultural exchange and sports. For more information, contact Chinese Catholic Ministry of Honolulu, 4470 Aliikoa Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96821; phone 737-1818; e-mail ccmhonolulu @gmail.com.