Religion Briefs
Saturday, December 8, 2001
Trade Center victim memorialized at Damien
A new lectern in Damien Memorial High School chapel carries a plaque memorializing John Damien Voccacio, who worked in a top-floor office at the World Trade Center and died there Sept. 11.The memorial for Voccacio, 30, who had never visited Hawaii, came about because he and the Kalihi boys school both were named after Father Damien DeVeuster, a 19th-century priest who served leprosy victims in Kalaupapa, Molokai, until his death there of the disease.
The young man's aunt called Brother Greg O'Donnell, Damien president, shortly after the terrorist attack. In searching for a way to memorialize Voccacio, she had discovered the school's Web site. She was happy with the match since her nephew felt connected to the missionary and went by the name of Damien, said O'Donnell.
That's how Clara and Robert Sproule of New York came to pick up the $400 tab for a new wooden lectern, replacing a termite-eaten one. She has also promised to provide flower arrangements for future special events.
"This is only one of the ways that Sept. 11 touched Hawaii. Our world today is only a keystroke away," said O'Donnell. The tale is posted on the Web site www.damien.edu.
'Olelo to air weekly speeches of Maharaji
Local students of Maharaji, who teaches techniques to open the mind to internal spiritual fulfillment, are sponsoring a weekly broadcast of his speaking engagements around the world. The program sponsored by the Malama Ola group may be seen at 9:30 p.m. each Thursday of December on 'Olelo Channel 52. The Indian-born teacher has been in the United States for 35 years. For information, call 591-3530.
Catholic Charities offers Sept. 11 fallout workshops
A series of counseling workshops for people dealing with fears about personal safety, job security and unsettling effects of the Sept. 11 attacks is being offered by Catholic Charities."Living on Edge in Uncertain Times" is the theme of the free sessions, which are open to the public. Professional counselors will offer practical tips to deal with fears, support each other and find sources of help. The planned workshops are:
>> Monday, 7 p.m., St. Michael Church, Kailua-Kona.
>> Wednesday, 7 p.m., Star of the Sea Church, 4470 Aliikoa St., Kahala.
>> Wednesday, 7:15 p.m., St. Joseph Church, 94-675 Farrington Hwy., Waipahu.
>> Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church, 95-370 Kuahelani Ave., Mililani.
>> Thursday, 7 p.m., St. Theresa Church, Kihei, Maui.
Honpa Hongwanji Mission hosts interfaith service
Honpa Hongwanji Mission will be the setting of an "Interfaith Service of Reflection on Unity, Peace and Compassion" on Wednesday.Representatives of several religious organizations will participate in the 6 p.m. service at 1727 Pali Hwy. It is open to the public.
"We call on everyone who seeks an end to terrorism and violence to stop blessing war," said Kyle Kajihiro of the American Friends Service Committee. The Quaker organization sponsors a weekly Friday afternoon peace vigil in front of the Prince Kuhio Federal Building.
Christmas news bulletins welcome through Dec. 17
There's a Dec. 17 deadline for the calendar of special Christmas services and celebrations. Churches and organizations may send information to the Faith page by e-mail to citydesk@starbulletin.com, by fax to 529-4750 or by mail to Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 7-210, Honolulu 96813.
Korean food, flea market planned for fund-raiser
Korean food delicacies are a special feature of the Dec. 16 bazaar planned by the Korean Catholic Community at St. Pius X Church, 2821 Lowrey Ave.Gift items and used clothing will also be sold in a flea market at the church hall from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale is a fund-raiser for Sunday School programs.
Bahai faithful from 50 countries to mark 100th anniversary here
Baha'i Faith members from 50 countries will share their international convention with the public this month, staging a Dec. 20 "Parade of Nations" on Kapiolani Boulevard and a Dec. 23 hoolaulea at Ala Moana Park.The "Fire in the Pacific" conference at the Hawai'i Convention Center will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the religion in the Pacific. About 1,000 delegates are expected at the event.
It will open with the 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20 parade of Bahais in the ethnic attire of their countries. They will march from the burial places of two early island members to the center. Prayers will first be offered at the Oahu Cemetery grave of Martha Louise Root and in the Kawaiahao Church cemetery where Agnes Baldwin Alexander, who brought the belief to Hawaii, is buried.
Princess Tosi Malietoa of Western Samoa will open the conference that evening. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Dorothy Nelson and KC Porter, an Emmy award-winning producer and composer, are among the well-known Bahais expected to attend.
The hoolaulea from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 23 at McCoy Pavilion will feature a free concert with Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Martin Pahinui, Sean Na'auao and KC Porter. Members from several Pacific Basin countries will share their music, dance, arts and storytelling.
Conference workshops will cover world issues important to Hawaii and the Pacific, such as a Bahai perspective on fulfilling the promise of indigenous peoples.
The religion was founded in Persia, now Iran, in the mid-19th century. Founder Baha'u'llah taught that God is one and that all religions are true and agree in essential teachings. It backs the ideals of a world without boundaries, equality of the sexes and equal opportunity for all.
There are 5 million members worldwide and about 1,000 members in Hawaii.
Congregations sharing Christmas music to brighten the island holiday season
Congregations continue to share their holiday spirit with offerings of music. All events are free unless otherwise indicated.Today: 7:30 p.m., Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St., is the setting of the annual Honolulu Boy Choir Christmas concert.
Tomorrow: 6 p.m., Central Union Church's Chancel Choir and Joyful Noise Choir will lead a Christmas sing-along.
Tuesday: 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew's Cathedral will stage its annual Handel's "Messiah" Community Sing. Bring your own musical score or rent one at the door.
Thursday: 7:30 p.m., Farrington High School auditorium. First of seven performances of "From Heaven's Throne" musical show by New Hope Christian Fellowship players and musicians. Reserve $9, $7 or $5 seats by calling 842-4242, ext. 661.
Next Saturday: 7:30 p.m., Calvary Episcopal Church, 45-435 Aumoku St., Kaneohe. The Hawaii String Orchestra will perform in a "Celebration of Christmas" concert.
Dec. 23: 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 1217 Nehoa St. Thirty performers will stage "Celebrate Life!" -- the story of Jesus set to contemporary music.
RELIGION CALENDAR
