As part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary this year of the arrival of its sisters to the islands, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts is offering a three-day seminar in June on the contributions of Sacred Hearts priests, brothers and sisters in Hawaii, particularly in the field of education.
The “Education Seminar,” June 24-26, at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley is offered to “all those interested in the charism of the Sacred Hearts.” The program, including lodging and meals, is free.
The seminar has three objectives:
- To show how the Sacred Hearts charism has inspired ministry in the Diocese of Honolulu.
- To encourage a personal awareness and appreciation of the Sacred Hearts charism.
- To find ways to strengthen the Sacred Hearts charism in local settings.
The seminar begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday evening, June 23, with a social, dinner and welcoming address. Each of the three days that follows have three presentations, two in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Sister Katherine Francis Miller, Sister Irene Barboza, and Father Clyde Guerreiro will speak on June 24. On the second day, Sister Mary Dolorine Pires will give the two morning sessions and Aileen Kupihea will present the afternoon one. Friday has Father Herman Gomes presenting the two morning sessions and Sister Anne Clare De Costa and Father Johnathan Hurrell giving the afternoon session.
The topics will cover the Sacred Hearts Congregation’s history, mission and charism. Also addressed will be the life and sanctity of Blessed Damien de Veuster and a vision of the congregation’s future.
The days will open with prayer and close with a prayer or liturgy.
The theme of the 150th anniversary celebration is “All to God, All for God.” The sisters commemorated their historic arrival with Mass, May 3, at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral.
For more information about the seminar, contact Sister Anne Clare De Costa at adecosta@hawaii.rr.com, or (808) 258-8242.
An optional visit to Kalaupapa will be offered, for a cost yet to be determined, on Monday, June 29. Those who want to go must notify Sister Anne Clare before June 1.