8 questions for Father Lusius Nimu

Sacred Hearts Father Lusius Nimu, 36, was born on Adonara island in the Flores Timur region of Indonesia, to Andreas Kenale Nimu and Huberta Nuen Pati. He is the oldest of four siblings, with one sister and two brothers. Father Nimu attended a minor seminary and then graduated from Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Indonesia. He was ordained a Sacred Hearts priest in Batam, Indonesia, in 2003. In Indonesia, Father Nimu worked at St. Michael Parish as an associate pastor for three years and for the Sacred Hearts Fathers in promoting vocations and mentoring. Four years later, he arrived in Hawaii in October 2007 and was assigned as the associate pastor at St. Augustine by the Sea Parish in Waikiki. After an unexpected delay of 11 months during a trip home to Indonesia, Father Nimu has been back in Hawaii since February.

1. What’s the church’s biggest challenge today?

How to encourage youth and young adults to participate in the life of the church. They are the pillars of the church in the future.

2. Where have you always wanted to visit?

Egypt.  It’s such an ancient civilization with some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the pyramids of Giza and its Great Sphinx. But the main reason I want to visit Egypt is to know and feel how God took care of his people in ancient times. I wouldn’t feel complete if I only went and visited Israel.

3. What book are you reading now?

I recently finished reading “Hungry for God: Practical Help in Personal Prayer” by Ralph Martin. This book has helped me build my personal prayer. Prayer is not a burden but a gift. This book has encouraged me to celebrate this gift in all of my life. Right now, I am reading “God’s Mercy Revealed: Healing for a Broken World” by Msgr. Peter Magee.

4. Do you play any sports?

I love playing badminton. I used to play badminton on Wednesday at the Kailua gym and on Friday at the Koko Head gym. Now, I play badminton at the University of Hawaii on Monday and Wednesday nights. Aside from that, I love hiking and jogging.

5. How about a favorite sports team?

My favorite sports team is the Manchester United soccer team. I like them not only because they have good players but because they also work well as a team. One of my favorite players, Christian Ronaldo, moved to Real Madrid, but they still have Rooney, Giggs, Vedic, Ferdinand, and Van Der Sar.

6. Who is your favorite saint?

Father Damien is my favorite saint. He was the one who attracted me to join the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts. When I was in minor seminary, I read a book about Father Damien of Molokai. At that time, I told myself, “I have to do what Father Damien did.” St. Damien challenges me today to help people who are in need.

7. What music do you listen to?

I like slow rock, meditation music. And now, I really like Hawaiian music. Why? Because it’s very similar to the music from my hometown. It makes me nostalgic, especially for my childhood in Indonesia.

8. What is your favorite Bible passage?

2 Corinthians 12: 9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”  This passage was the theme I chose when I was ordained to the priesthood. It reminds me that even though I’m a priest, I am still a human who has weakness. Jesus is my power in serving people.

BONUS: Which person have you admired most in your life and why?

My parents. They taught me how to be an example for others. They're motto was “Don’t talk only! Do It!”

“8 Questions For Father” will go on a summer hiatus after this issue.