Photo courtesy of Brother Dennis Schmitz

Bishop Remi DeRoo and musician David Haas are all smiles at  BILAC held Nov. 5-7 at  the Saint Louis and Chaminade campus.

Big Isle conference at Kalaepohaku brightens Oahu

By Brother Dennis Schmitz, SM | Special to the Herald

BILAC (Big Island Liturgy and Arts Conference), Nov. 5-7, once again impressed its participants as it held forth for a second year in its new home on the Marianists’ Kalaepohaku campus of Saint Louis School and Chaminade University.

Through the theme “Malama Pono” (“nurture righteousness”), keynote speakers and artists from the mainland and Hawaii gathered to renew understandings of liturgy and life as church. Local composer Joe Camacho’s theme song, “Malama Pono,” truly captured the spirit of the weekend.

BILAC was a spiritually renewing three days. Its keynotes speakers, workshops, and experiential approach deepened the prayer of the community.

Keynoter Bishop Remi DeRoo, the retired Bishop of Victoria, British Columbia, the youngest bishop at the Second Vatican Council, explained how the style of the council marked a significant change for the church by stressing dialogue and cooperation rather than dogmatic statements. He emphasized the importance of the faithful in the continuing renewal of the church.

Msgr. Ray East of Washington D.C. brought an African-American exuberance to his preaching as he emphasized the Christian call to promote the justice and peace of the Reign of God.

A veritable “Who’s Who” of composers of liturgical music — David Haas, Marty Haugen, Donna Pena, Bob Hurd, Kate Cuddy, Tony Alonso, Bobby Fisher and others — enlivened the weekend with two concerts that featured both well-known and recent compositions. The performances were engaging, entertaining and deeply prayerful.

The composers, keynoters and other presenters offered a wide variety of workshops. They covered how to be cantors, techniques in guitar and piano playing, presentations on the Dead Sea Scrolls, storytelling, Scripture, acupressure, justice for Hawaiians and numerous other topics.

Beautiful liturgies and prayer services prepared by noted liturgical composer Lori True reinforced the messages. Liturgy was enhanced by the sacred gestures led by Carla DeSola, a true pioneer in liturgical movement.

Bishop DeRoo presided at the closing liturgy at which Father Alapaki Kim, pastor of St. Rita in Nanakuli, preached on the Scripture readings and the meaning of St. Damien’s life.

The Marianist brothers and priests housed most of the guest artists, who joined their hosts in prayer, meals and companionship. Marianist lay communities worked hand in hand with volunteers from the Lokahi Community from Volcano on the Big Island to run the book store, registration table, meal service and countless activities.

Saint Louis students from Marianist L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith Experience) served as campus guides during the conference. Chaminade’s College L.I.F.E. provided refreshments and helped shuttle physically challenged participants.

The weekend ended with a luau after the closing Eucharist, but hospitality was extended for two more days to the guest artists who were able to renew their spirits by relaxing with each other and the religious and lay Marianists. Marianist Brother Jerry Bommer, rector of Chaminade University, hosted a beach barbecue one day. Another relaxing day was spent at the Franciscan Sisters’ Our Lady of Keaau Center on the Waianae coast.

It was sad to say good-bye, but everyone is looking forward to next year’s BILAC, Nov. 4-6.