Religious procession is Portuguese tradition
Descendants of Portuguese immigrants will march tomorrow in Kakaako in a tradition that combines religious devotion and ethnic pride.Members of the Kewalo Holy Ghost Society will carry statues and banners in a procession that celebrates Pentecost, the Gospel event in which the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus.
Marchers will leave Mother Waldron Park on Cooke Street at 9 a.m. for the society hall at 815 Queen St.
Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. by the Rev. Paul Zaccone.
The procession will resume, traveling on Queen and Cooke streets, Kapiolani Boulevard and Ward Avenue, and back to the social hall.
The uniquely Portuguese observance is celebrated by other Holy Ghost associations in Hawaii and by Portuguese around the world. It has its origins with Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, a 14th-century monarch who vowed to give her jeweled crown to the Church of the Holy Ghost in Lisbon if God would end a drought that had caused thousands of deaths. Her prayers were answered, and she not only donated the crown, but hosted a feast for the poor every year of her reign.
Hundreds of people -- grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the immigrants -- return for the devotion and the free lunch of vinha d'alhos -- marinated roast beef. The celebration will continue with an auction, bingo, children's games and booths where homemade jelly, jam and pickled onions will be sold.
Former tennis star to lead Christian rally
Former professional tennis player Michael Chang will lead a rally of Christian music and message Friday at the First Chinese Church of Christ.The free 7:30 p.m. program in the sanctuary at 1054 S. King St. is open to the public. The event is a highlight of the church's celebration of its 125th anniversary.
The California native began his career as a competitive player at 15 and was French Open champion in 1989. He retired from the sport last year. His book, "Holding Serve," describes his professional sports career and his faith journey.
He and family members founded the Chang Family Foundation, which presents evangelical Christian programs and sponsors a Christian sports league in Washington state where Chang now lives.
WallBuilders member to speak at new facility
Calvary Chapel of Honolulu will mark the Fourth of July with a free program exploring "Is America One Nation Under God?"Rick Green, of the WallBuilders organization, will speak at 6 p.m. at the church's new facility at 98-1016 Komo Mai Drive. He will discuss changes in the role of religion in the United States since the nation was founded in 1776.
WallBuilders is a national organization dedicated to restoring the constitutional, moral and religious foundation of America. For information, see www.wallbuilders.com.
Religion Calendar