8 questions for Father Marvin Bearis

Capuchin Father Marvin Castillo Bearis, 31, was born in Honolulu and raised in Ewa Beach, Oahu. He is the second youngest of five children, with two older brothers and a sister and one younger brother. Father Bearis completed his family resources undergraduate degree at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and post-graduate degree at Boston College with a dual masters in divinity and theology. In 2009, he was ordained at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu as the first Hawaii-born priest for the Capuchin vice-province of Guam and Hawaii. Father Marvin became a chaplain and teacher at Damien Memorial School at the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

1. Did you have another career before deciding to become a priest?

No, I did not have a career. I decided to become a Capuchin Franciscan right after I graduated from UH. I seriously considered becoming a priest when I was actively involved in Life Teen at my home parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ewa Beach. It was my sophomore year of college when the seed was planted in my head that I should pursue my possible vocation to the priesthood.

2. What would you have been if you weren’t a priest?

I think I would have been a social worker, a youth minister, or a teacher. I really loved being involved with youth ministry as a teen and as a youth minister in the Life Teen program.

3. What is your favorite Bible passage?

Romans 12:1-2: “I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” It always reminds me that everything I do in life is meant to worship God. Offering my life to the Lord helps me to discern his will in a world of distractions and noise.

4. What’s your favorite TV show?

One of my favorites is “24.” I like it because it keeps me on the edge of my seat. It’s one of the few shows that has a storyline that actually makes me not want to change the channel. I’m a little hesitant to admit I watch reality TV, but I do watch “American Idol,” though this season is kind of boring. And “The Amazing Race” is an awesome show. You get to see the world and learn things by watching the contestants’ travels.

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

I think one of the biggest challenges today is pastorally communicating the depth and wealth of the Catholic faith and its spiritual traditions to the youth and young adults in our diocese. Every generation of young people have different spiritual needs. It is our role as ministers of the Church to seek out the different ways to make the Gospel relevant and applicable to one’s everyday life. 

6. Where is the one place you have never been but always wanted to visit?

I have never visited Assisi, Italy. When I was studying in Italy, I missed the opportunity to go with a group of North American Capuchin friars who just made their final vows when they went on a month-long pilgrimage. I had to choose between that and doing a unit of chaplaincy training as a part of my theology studies. Assisi is the place where I could reconnect with my religious roots, in the home of the founder of my order.

7. What music do you listen to?

I mainly listen to any type of Christian music. I love that Hawaii has three Christian radio stations to choose from so I have something positive and spiritual to listen to when I drive to and from work.

8. What’s your favorite food?

I appreciate all types of food but I love Filipino food. My parents are both Filipino and I grew up eating Filipino food all the time. I love eating kare-kare (ox-tails and vegetables in a peanut butter- flavored stew) and lechon kawali (pan-fried pork).