Father Marvin Samiano, 46, was born in Lihue, Kauai, and raised in Los Angeles. He earned an aerospace engineering degree before deciding to become a priest. Father Samiano was ordained in 1992 and has served in various church and diocesan offices and at St. Joseph, Hilo; St. Theresa, Mountain View; and St. Anthony of Padua, Kailua. He earned his canon law degree from the Catholic University of America in May and is now the judicial vicar for the Diocese of Honolulu.

1. What is your hidden talent?

One that I am especially blessed with is the ability to use American Sign Language, and although I am not nearly as fluent as I would like to be, I do enjoy having the ability to communicate with my sisters and brothers who are hearing or speech impaired. It is a talent I’ve used in reconciliation and at Mass.

2. What’s your favorite food?

One of the big jokes with my family and friends is just how much I enjoy fast food. Throughout the month of October, I promised that I would avoid any restaurant with a drive thru. That was a lot harder than I thought since I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed it. Luckily I live at a place with a cook that prepares tasty, healthier food for me.

3. What is your favorite Bible passage?

Isaiah 43:4: “Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.” I reflected on it as a young seminarian. The call to serve is on God’s initiative. The response comes not out of obligation but rather from God’s love. My priesthood is an opportunity to proclaim we are all loved by God.

4. What’s your favorite television show?

I enjoy watching “House.” While the main character is rough around the edges (an insightful statement about the equally rough human character), Dr. House is consumed by the search for the truth. While he uses science and, at least publicly, discounts faith, the search for the truth, will ultimately lead seekers of knowledge to truth’s source: God.

5. What’s the Church’s biggest challenge today?

To remain focused on the Gospel’s proclamation. It is very easy to become focused on issues rather than the person of Jesus. While issues are important and need to be dealt with in a pastorally and canonically  sound way, the Church can’t be defined by them. It must be defined by its people and ministry.

6. What music do you listen to?

I particularly enjoy Hawaiian music’s lyrical poetry  and gentle melodies that help me relax and put me in a state of mind to more easily laugh or cry. I also enjoy musical theater soundtracks. It’s fun to sing along and picture how I’d use ASL to sign these numbers.

7. Where have you always wanted to visit?

While at CUA, I went to Rome and the Vatican with some of my classmates to experience the center of Church life. That’s one of the two places I really wanted to experience before I die. The other place is the Holy Land. Getting to see and experience the people, sights and sounds of these areas often found in Scripture would be a blessing for me.

8. Who have you admired most in your life?

My grandparents. As I saw them go from middle to advanced age, and then buried them, I saw true disciples trying to be faithful to God. Even during struggles, they taught me God is always journeying with me. My priesthood is a response to their teaching me to respond to God’s love in a life-giving manner.