Photo courtesy of Carol Ursua

Missionary Basic Christian Community candidates and retreat leaders pose with vocations director Father Peter Dumag (far right back) at St. Ann Church in Waihee, Maui.

Maui Christian community candidates take spiritual journey

By Carol A. Ursua | Special to the Herald

On March 27-29, 18 Missionary Basic Christian Community candidates from various parishes on Maui came together on a spiritual journey at St. Ann Church in Waihee.

Under the guidance of the organization’s spiritual director, Deacon Cornelio Pulido, and his wife, Linda, these 18 were able to strengthen and deepen their relationship with God on their “Encounter” weekend.

Father Peter Dumag, diocesan director of vocations, gave several inspiring presentations, and lay leaders Angie Saiki and Bernie Lopez planned a program filled with “surprises” that enhanced the retreatants’ journey.

The MBCC candidates are Melita Asuncion, Edith Auwae, Gina and Rowel Bautista, Alicia Casio, Florenda Chichioco, Celia Corrales, Gloria Dulay, Cresencia Entilla, Raymunda Ignacio, Francisca Lagat, Vincent Lopez, Marilou Mandac, Josie Marquez, Fe Sanchez, Hazel Shirota, Merlinda Valdez and Fiomena Yago.

MBCC was thankful to St. Ann’s pastor, Father Ramon Francisco, for the use of his parish facilities. This 85th gathering was dedicated to the beloved memory of Missionary Basic Christian Community founder, Maryknoll Sister Grace Dorothy Lim, who died on Feb. 28, 2008. This spiritual retreat is open to all on a yearly basis.