Photo courtesy of Christ the King Church
Bishop Oscar Solis of Los Angeles blesses the time capsule before it is put away for 25 years.
By Lucy Peros, Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa | Special to the Herald
Christ the King Parish in Kahului, Maui, topped off a year celebrating its 75th anniversary with a “grand finale” luau, Nov. 22 after the 5 p.m. Mass. The event featured a slideshow of the monthly activities over the past year that honored the occasion and entertainment by the Hawaiian and Tongan community of the parish.
“The theme, “A Diamond Celebration: A Journey of Hope, A Journey of Growth,” is fitting for such a celebration because this has been truly a journey of hope and growth for the parish not just this past year but hopefully it will continue for the years to come,” said Lucy Peros.
The 10 a.m. Mass the next day, Nov. 23, was celebrated by the first Filipino-American bishop in the United States, Bishop Oscar Solis, auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, who is originally from Cabanatuan City, Philippines.
After Mass, parishioners had lunch and buried a time capsule which is scheduled to be opened in 2032 when Christ the King Parish turns 100 years old.
Here is a recap of the monthly events organized to mark the 75th anniversary:
- December 2007: The Misa De Gallo was celebrated for nine consecutive mornings before Christmas.
- January 2008: For the Feast of the Three Kings, the Filipino Catholic Club sponsored a buffet breakfast with a widespread of scrumptious delicacies such as omelets, arroz caldo, longanisa and pancakes.
- February: For the kids, a Fun Keiki Carnival, for the adults a parish mission featuring a visiting priest delivered enlightening spiritual renewal messages.
- March: The Holy Week celebration included a re-enactment of Jesus’ way to Calvary and the youth Easter egg hunt.
- April: For Earth Day, parishioners came together to beautify the church and school grounds.
- May: The Santacruzan festivities turned out to be a success.
- June: Twenty seven couples renewed their wedding vows with Father Efren Tomas officiating.
- July: About 80 parishioners made a pilgrimage to Holy Rosary Church in Paia, St. Joseph Church in Makawao, Holy Ghost Church and Lady Queen of the Angels Church in Kula.
- August: Month of rest.
- September: Parish Fun Day was attended by more than 400 people.
- October: The Marian Festival celebrated the theme: “The family that prays together stays together,” and featured a beautiful three-day display of images and statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.