Photo courtesy of Chrislyn Villena
Big Island Young Adult Connection participants and leaders
Waiting on the Spirit
40 Big Island young adults spend Pentecost weekend on a secluded retreat
By Chrislyn Villena | Special to the Herald
As the disciples gathered in the upper room to await the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, 40 Big Island young adults gathered at the Pahala Plantation Cottages on Pentecost weekend, prepared to be inspired.
And they were.
Coming together for the annual Big Island Young Adult Connection, May 28-31, they absorbed the wisdom of speakers from different islands who talked on hot topics facing young adults today.
The theme for the retreat was “Where he leads, we will follow.”
Uncle Frank Chargualaf, from St. Theresa Parish in Kihei, Maui, brought with him his praise and worship team. Each member testified to the power and grace they receive from praising and worshiping God.
“It is more than just singing, it is praying to him through these songs,” one said. “When I do worship the Lord, I can feel his presence every single time.”
Dominic Olaso of Holy Trinity Parish on Oahu implored his audience to break free from the grip of the “Un-holy Trinity” — “Me, Myself and I” — by turning toward the true majesty of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When we come to God sorrowful, he said, we are healed, fed, cleaned and empowered to show that same love and mercy to others.
Chucky Unciano, a young adult from St. Elizabeth Parish in Aiea, spoke about the wonder and joy he feels as a single person.
“Don’t stress yourself out looking for someone to love,” Chucky said. “Love God by serving him and others; then he will send someone special to you when you are ready. Instead of spending so much time and effort looking for the right person to love, turn your actions to becoming that right person.”
Sister Lusika and Sister Lisa of Hilo gave witness to God’s call to consecrated life. “You don’t choose which work you do for God. The Lord chooses the kind of work He wants you to do.”
They said God spoke to them through their fathers, who love them so much. Knowing their daughters were being called by God, they both gave their blessings upon them and their decision to become religious sisters.
Mason and Teo Matsuda of Oahu painted a picture of how much God loved them when he selected Mason for Teo and her for him. They disclosed personal stories about the trials and tribulations that tested their relationship. They consider themselves blessed beyond measure and respond with constant service and faithful prayer. Their motto: “A family that prays together stays together.”
Saturday evening, Aunty Maka Secretario helped the young participants to connect with God in a prayer service. After a weekend of absorbing God’s message through their ears and eyes, they turned over their minds and hearts in prayer, receptive to the outpouring of God’s blessings.
Finally, the young adults listened to Aunty Deb and Uncle Gary speak about respect for the human body. “It is our choice to live a life of holiness and chastity,” they said. “This life should be seen as a gift not a curse. Our lives should be to honor and glorify God, especially in our choices.”
The Holy Spirit truly descended on 40 people that weekend. His presence was felt in the flow of the presentations, and seen in the eyes of those who opened their hearts.
In his closing homily, Msgr. Ted Mercado said, “The Holy Spirit was sent to help us live out our mission as Jesus taught us. The disciples described his presence as dynamic, just like dynamite. How does the Holy Spirit turn you on? Allow it to rock, rattle and roll you just as it did those many years ago.”
Mahalo to all who helped make this retreat a success especially the Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Board.