Father Roland Bunda, 65, was born in Waialua, Oahu, and has three brothers and two sisters. He took his first vows as a Marianist brother in 1962 and was ordained a Marianist priest on Aug. 4, 1978, in San Jose, Calif. From 1979 to 1988, Father Bunda was the campus minister and principal of his alma mater, Saint Louis High School in Kaimuki. He then spent five years in California as a campus minister at a Catholic high school, after which he moved to the Marianist novitiate in Dayton, Ohio, to serve for three years as the assistant director of novices. From August 1996 to July 2007 he served as director of Newman Ministry for the Diocese of Monterey before returning to Hawaii. He is now the pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Wailuku, Maui.

1. Which person have you admired most in your life and why?

I admired my grandfather, Mauricio Bunda, who came from Iloilo, Philippines, in 1922 to Hawaii. He raised 14 children, learned English and was a very active member in the church and the Waialua Sugar community.

1. What is your favorite Bible passage and why?

Philippians 4:4-7. “Rejoice … the Lord is near. Have no anxiety … by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your needs to God …” A great passage for interior peace and serenity in my life.

3. What book are you reading now, and what do you think of it so far?

“Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light,” about the private writings of Mother Teresa. She is a great witness about interior suffering and the “dark night of the soul” while still believing in God and loving and serving others.

4. Do you have any hobbies?

I love the outdoor sports of walking, hiking, swimming, biking and golfing. I love to play my ukulele and guitar, sing with others, and have fun too. I also like reading historical novels.

5. What is your hidden talent?

Photography. I have been taking pictures of family members and friends. I’m discovering my talent for photos of nature — waterfalls, national parks, oceans, hills, etc.

6. What or who makes you laugh?

When I gather with my “Bunda family.” At parties, it is fun teasing, telling stories, and laughing with each other. We have fun singing karaoke.

7. Who do you consider to be a hero in your life?

The founder of my religious order, the Society of Mary (Marianists), Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. He was a man of faith and risk taking, forming Christian disciples and communities and transforming the church in union with Mary.

8. What is the biggest challenge facing the Catholic Church today?

Striving for unity in diversity, learning to accept and love one another given our differences in our parish community, local community, and on national and international levels.