Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Bishop Robert McElroy Discusses a Synodal Church

In late 2021, Pope Francis called on the whole of the Catholic Church to embark on a two-year journey of reflection, profound renewal, and transformative reform that seeks to touch every element of ecclesiastical life and drive an ongoing process of reflection among Catholics worldwide.

Bishop Robert McElroy speaking during the Chaminade Marianist Lecture

As Most Reverend Robert McElroy, Bishop of San Diego, explained in a recent Marianist Lecture at the Mystical Rose Oratory, this process of “synodality” is not about issuing new documents from Rome but embracing change together. It is, he added, “a continuing call to reform within the life of the Church.”

Bishop McElroy acknowledged that the term “synodality” is confusing and has been misunderstood.

And so, in unpacking it during his lecture on February 27, Bishop McElroy first noted that the concept of synod is not new but rather ancient and refers to a “coming together” or a religious assembly. “Pope Francis is calling for a moment of rediscovering, of going back and rediscovering part of our tradition,” he said.

In outlining the “architecture of synodality” at both the parish and personal level, Bishop McElroy said the process presents several key themes. Among them: that synodality “points to the reality that the whole people of God are engaged and journeying together in the life of the Church” and also demands a “constant state of discernment”—seeking answers as part of a community and in dialogue.

Bishop McElroy also underscored the importance of “authentic listening” and empowering diverse voices.

“A synodal church is a humble and honest church,” he said. “A synodal church seeks to discern its woundedness and embrace reform. Its holiness is exemplified by humility. A synodal church seeks a healthy decentralization in its structure and life. Practices that exclude groups must be rejected.”

Bishop McElroy continued, “Pope Francis has called us to transform the life of the Church and in turn the life of the world.” And that work—the process of reflection, listening and mission—“is not the work of a moment, but the work of a lifetime. At this moment, it is our work and is our mission.”

Bishop Robert McElroy speaking during the Chaminade Marianist Lecture

The global conversations on synodality in the Catholic Church will culminate with an international gathering in October 2023, during which church leaders will seek to explore key themes identified at dioceses. Bishop McElroy, however, cautioned against thinking of the dialogue as something that ends there. “This notion of synodality is a process of conversation. It doesn’t end at a particular time,” he said.  

Bishop McElroy delivered his address before an audience both online and in person, and then participated in a question-and-answer session to clarify key points or explore new ones. The talk was presented as part of the ongoing Marianist Lecture series, sponsored by the Marianist Center of Hawaii, Chaminade University and Saint Louis School, and designed to foster inclusive and robust dialogue.

Following his address, Bishop McElroy was presented with the Mackey Award for Catholic Thought.

Several attendees at the lecture thanked Bishop McElroy for helping them to understand the concept of synodality. They also wondered aloud about next steps, including what they could do to participate in the conversation and encourage their fellow parishioners to do the same.

“I think what stuck out most to me was the real inward focusing of it, about listening, changing our stance as a church to be more humble and just more understanding,” said Sebastian Conway-Phillips.

Another attendee, Our Lady of Good Counsel School Principal Chantelle Enos-Luarca, said the faculty and staff members at her campus participated in a robust dialogue as part of the process of synodality.

“We have some great ideas … but what’s next?” she asked.

Bishop McElroy responded, “I think the most important consequences are the conservations that occur at the local level. All of these parishes, there are certain things that come up that are good things to do.” He added that there’s no need to wait on implementing those good ideas. “Do them now,” he said.

Watch the entire Marianist Lecture below.

Chaminade Students ‘Build Bridges’ with Pope Francis

College students with Pope Francis on Zoom

It’s not every day that a Zoom meeting is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But then, it’s also not every day that your virtual meeting features Pope Francis.

That’s exactly what two Chaminade students got the chance to experience recently. The historic encounter with the Pope was part of a dialogue with students from North, Central and South America on the economic and environmental pressures contributing to migration and displacement.

Chaminade junior Alycia Tausaga, who is majoring in Environmental Science, and senior Joseph Durocher, a Biochemistry major, were part of a group of about 20 students in the West and Pacific Region. In total, the Pope met with about 100 students from across the three regions during the virtual meeting on February 24.

Tausaga said she felt inspired after listening to the Pope speak directly to her group.

Alycia Tausuga participating in the Building Bridges event with Pope Francis

“He took his time out to come to this historic encounter and to listen to what university students have to say and provide encouragement for the youth,” Tausaga said. “It was such a good opportunity to build the bridge, and it also allowed me to connect with other students from around the globe.”

The meeting was organized as part of an initiative called Building Bridges. University students were challenged to come together to seek ways to overcome the walls separating the peoples and cultures of South, Central and North America and provide opportunities for authentic dialogue and leadership.

Chaminade’s Rector and VP for Mission Bro. Edward Brink learned about the program after reading an article in the National Catholic Reporter. He reached out to Loyola University Chicago and was able to secure spots for two Chaminade representatives in a group of students from Catholic universities in the West and Pacific. Loyola University Chicago hosted the event in collaboration with the Argentinian theologian, Emilce Cuda, the head of the office of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, who asked the Pope to participate.

Tausaga and Durocher were selected because of their interest in climate change.

Joseph Durocher participating in the Building Bridges event with Pope Francis

Durocher, who is a Ho’oulu Scholar, said students in the group coordinated before the meeting to discuss key issues and put together a presentation. “People are already aware that are migration and environmental issues,” he said. “This was about starting actual change.”

He added that he felt honored and “very special” to have been included in the dialogue.

“We have to stop just talking and not doing anything,” he said.

Tausaga, who is a National Science Foundation S-STEM Scholar at Chaminade, said as a Pacific Islander she’s seen the impacts of climate change firsthand. She said the meeting with the Pope reminded her of a well-known Hawaiian proverb: Huli ka lima i lalo or “turn the hand down.” In other words, instead of turning your palms out expecting something from others, turn them down and get to work in the soil.

“Turn your hands down to give and to work in the community,” said Tausaga. “Have heart and compassion for others. Be the voice to allow others to bring about change. That’s what this meeting with the Holy Father really highlighted for me. It strikes at the heart.”

Building Bridges Recording

Media Coverage

The Spirituality of Justice: Racism & Climate Change

Fr. Dan Horan speaking at the Mystical Rose Oratory during Chaminade's Marianist Lecture Series

The “Catholic response” to racism, climate change and other societal injustices — including those plaguing Hawaii communities — must be one centered in faith-based action that “ought to discomfit the comfortable, humble the powerful, and lift up the oppressed,” said noted author and speaker Fr. Dan Horan during a recent talk at Chaminade’s Mystical Rose Oratory for the Marianist Lecture series.

Horan, acknowledging his own status as a “temporary guest” in Hawaii, added that people in the islands must seek to learn from indigenous communities and understand their unique ways of knowing the world so they can help craft holistic, place-based responses to the greatest crises of our time.

The engaging talk on September 26 comes as the Marianist Lecture series celebrates 25 years of promoting Catholic responsibility and service, and launches a new honor — the Mackey Award for Catholic Thought — to recognize leaders advancing the Marianist spirit and educational mission.

Horan, a columnist for the National Catholic Reporter whose most recent book is titled A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege, was the inaugural recipient of the Mackey Award. In his lecture, Horan unpacked the writings of scholar, social activist, and monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968).

Merton may not be a household name. But in 2015, Pope Francis highlighted him as one of four “representatives of the American people” who fought for equal rights—alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, and Dorothy Day. Horan said Merton’s writings from the 1950s and 1960s offer important lessons for modern America, including about the importance of respecting others.

“Merton was attuned in an unusual way for a white man of his time to the failure to honor the wisdom, heritage, beauty, value and dignity of culture, traditions and religions that are not part of a Euro-American hegemony that came with the colonization to these lands,” Horan said.

He added that Merton offers “timely insights” and opportunities for further reflection on Hawaiian history, colonialism, and the “local response to both systemic racism and climate change.” Perhaps a key point of inquiry, he said, is Merton’s belief that the “spirit of God draws near not just to human beings but to the whole family of creation. Everything that exists reflects or points back to the Creator.”

In other words, Horan said, Merton would have “nodded along approvingly” to indigenous understandings of nature as not something that is separated or distinct from human existence but as central to life, familial relationships to and to society. “The global response to climate change … can only take place with the privileged species, humanity, embracing a sense of creational humility,” he said.

Horan also elucidated three points for white Christians seeking to respond to racial injustice.

He said those in positions of privilege and power because of their race must focus on diagnosis and criticism, “embracing a spirit of praxis and engagement.” They must also step back, listening to those in diverse communities rather than seeking to prescribe solutions. And they must “get out of the way,” Horan added. “They need to follow rather than lead. They need to listen rather than instruct.”

Horan sought to do just that in his own talk, opening his speech by noting that aloha is “not to be granted but always earned” and allowing time after his lecture for a question-and-answer dialogue with the audience. “As a guest, I seek to support the various strategies that the indigenous peoples of Hawaii are using to protect their land and their communities,” Horan said, near the start of his speech.

“I come to this land with a deep respect in a spirit of openness — and with a desire to learn.”

Watch the full video here

Chaminade University and Hawaii Catholic Schools Announce 2021 Ka Ho’oulu Innovation Recipients

Chaminade University’s Center for Strategy and Innovation, in partnership with Hawai‘i Catholic Schools, has announced the recipients of the 2021 Ka Hoʻoulu Innovation Awards: St. Louis School’s Principal Devin Oshiro, EdD, and St. Joseph Parish School. The awards recognize the demonstration of substantial innovation that has greatly advanced Catholic education in Hawai‘i.

Devin Oshiro, EdD, recipient of the 2021 Ka Ho'oulu Award
Individual Award – Dr. Devin Oshiro, principal of St. Louis School

Dr. Oshiro has led and worked collaboratively with St. Louis School’s faculty to create a diverse learning environment that addresses the needs of all students. Their six-point system, which consists of ‘aina-based learning, global learning, personalized learning, whole group learning and learning specific to young men, has resulted in stronger GPA levels, improved standardized test scores and the school’s highest enrollment in 20 years.

Institution Award – St. Joseph Parish School
Located in Waipahu, St. Joseph Parish School has integrated a community-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum to address a much-needed facet for all learners. The school partnered with the Institute of Social and Emotional Learning and formed an internal SEL Committee to develop and implement the curriculum through workshops for administration, faculty and staff to develop a common language and basic understanding of the process, and reinforce the belief that SEL is essential to student achievement.

The Ka Hoʻoulu Innovation Awards were created in 2020, as a way to recognize outstanding educators from Catholic schools throughout the state. Award applicants submit projects that exemplify the Catholic world view, support quality academics, integrate technology, demonstrate data-driven decision making or promote operational vitality. Those who submit projects with the highest marks receive recognition at an annual award ceremony and a grant to continue their work.

“We are so delighted to sponsor this award,” said Dr. Helen Turner, vice president of Chaminade’s Center for Strategy and Innovation. “The winners represent Catholic education in Hawai‘i, where teachers and administrators are continuously innovating in support of their students and their shared mission to provide high quality, affordable education. Students who are benefitting from the creativity of educators like Dr. Oshiro and teams like that of St. Joseph Parish School are part of a talent pipeline in Hawai‘i that is grounded in values and strong academics. We at Chaminade look forward to seeing them as future Silverswords!”

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Chaminade University of Honolulu believes in the power of education to drive positive change, broaden perspectives and deepen our understanding of one another. With an emphasis on transformative service-learning experiences, we prepare students to serve as tomorrow’s leaders, inspiring and challenging them to use their minds and their hearts to help build stronger and more just communities. We are proud to serve as Hawai‘i’s only Marianist university, and rely on these values to guide us in delivering a high-quality education with an individualized approach and a focus on excellence, innovation and change. Established in 1955, we offer more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in education, psychology and nursing practice. Learn more at chaminade.edu.

Maryknoll School Teacher Receives Teacher of the Year Award

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

From working late to offer one-on-one tutoring to incorporating exciting new digital tools into her classroom to inspiring students to be passionate about learning, Maryknoll School seventh-grade math and religion teacher Mary Jane Vannatta goes above and beyond to make sure her students succeed.

And all that hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially during the pandemic.

For her selfless dedication to students and tireless mentorship to fellow educators, the 40-year veteran of Hawaii Catholic schools was named the 2021 Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year.

After being honored in a virtual ceremony May 27, Vannatta received the award in-person June 2.

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

In addition to accepting the Golden Pineapple Trophy from Chaminade University, Vannatta was awarded $1,000 from John C. and Marilou Brogan through Chaminade, a one-year car lease from Aloha Kia and $1,000 in gas gift cards from Hele-Par Hawaii. The Augustine Education Foundation also awarded $1,500 to Maryknoll School for faculty appreciation in recognition of Vannatta’s achievement.

Nominators said Vannatta is a caring, loving educator whose world revolves around her students.

One said that she incorporates a host of different tools to ensure students thrive in the subjects she teaches, including math. And during the pandemic, her workload increased exponentially as she learned new devices and programs to teach both distance learning and in-person students at the same time.

What she doesn’t know how to do, the nominator said, she’ll figure out so she can help her students.

Another nominator said Vannatta never hesitates to put in extra time for students—before school, after school and with remote help at all hours. If they need help, she’s there for them. And she’s done the same for her fellow educators, including as a mentor to new teachers and grade level chairperson.

Vannatta is an active member of the broader school community and of her parish.

And she can often be spotted at school events, many of which she has helped to plan.

Vannatta is also a lifelong learner, frequently attending professional development opportunities, looking to improve her religion instruction. She has completed courses to reach the Master Catechist level as she seeks to help guide her students to be thoughtful, ethical citizens of strong moral character.

Mary Jane Vannatta was also featured in MidWeek. Read the article here.

Beyond Academics: Co-Curricular Awards

2021 Co-Curricular Awards at the Silverswords Student Appreciation event

Every year, the Co-Curricular Awards recognize members of Chaminade’s student body, clubs and organizations, and staff and faculty members whose efforts to make the campus and the community a better place go above and beyond—and embody the University’s mission of public service.

This year’s in-person awards presentation was particularly poignant, honoring those who truly exemplified the Silversword spirit despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. Honorees were recognized during a Silversword Student Appreciation event on April 28, which was also an opportunity to thank all students for their resilience and flexibility in grappling with COVID’s many impacts.

This was the 16th annual Co-Curricular Awards event.

The recipient of the Silversword Award, which recognizes a student-athlete who represents the Marianist philosophy with sportsmanship, integrity and respect for others, was Chaminade women’s tennis captain Catrina Liner. In addition to her hard work on the court, Liner serves as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has also provided input on COVID safety procedures and protocols as the student-athlete representative at athletic department meetings on the topic.

Her efforts in the classroom are also impressive. She is a three-time member of the Pac-West All-Academic, which recognizes student-athletes who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA after completing at least two semesters at their institution while participating in regular season competition.

Silversword Student Appreciation event and Co-Curricular Award presentation

Meanwhile, there were two recipients this year of the Service Award: Connor and Lillie Flynn. The Service Award acknowledges those who demonstrate outstanding servant leadership, specifically in the areas of restorative justice and service for the people and lands of Hawaii. And the Flynn twins have done just that, working on countless community service projects to make a positive difference.

Both are part of the Chaminade Scholars program, through which they have sought to pursue their shared passions of protecting Hawaii’s environment while using what they’ve learned to help others.

Student leader Reyna Riesgo was honored with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award, which recognizes upper-class students who work tirelessly as peer mentors to ensure that first-years feel supported as new members of the Chaminade ‘ohana. Peer mentors commit significant hours of their time as co-teachers of CUH 100 First-Year Experience Seminar, and prepare for the position with training and class preparation.

Riesgo has not only shown herself to be an outstanding peer mentor. She has served as a leader, collaborating with her fellow CUH 100 team members to make the first-year experience even better.

This year’s Tutor of the Year is Rachel Reedy, a student-athlete who has managed to help her fellow students make progress in their academic journey as she also juggles her own studies and excels on the volleyball court. The Tutoring Center has lost count of the number of students she’s helped.

Dominic Coffey was honored with the Dean of Students’ Special Recognition Award for his strong leadership skills, including as a Resident Assistant. The award spotlights those whose contributions have helped build a better community. Coffey has done that while preserving his affable leadership style.

Five students were recognized with the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence. The award acknowledges undergraduates who display exceptional leadership, demonstrate strong initiative and motivation, and show outstanding character, service, integrity and scholarship.

The freshman honoree was Sean Lorenzo, whose peers and Chaminade mentors can attest to his uncanny ability to motivate others around community service, including through his tireless work with the Student Government Association and Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

There were two sophomore honorees: Pamela Oda and Montserrat Lanfranco. Mentors say Oda has provided exceptional Office of Student Activities and Leadership virtual programs during the pandemic to ensure members of the Chaminade can connect and feel supported. Lanfranco, similarly, has demonstrated a tireless work ethic—and is always willing to help a fellow Silversword.

The Junior honoree was Celine Mesiona-Perez, who has proven to be a key asset to both Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. She has embraced her role as a servant leader, stepping up to the responsibilities before her and making sure she isn’t leaving anyone behind.

Finally, the senior honoree was Keahealailani Takushi, who has put in innumerable hours as part of student leadership activities since her very first year at Chaminade. Takushi, who has secured several internships and conducted research projects, has also been recognized for her scholarly achievements.

Among the faculty and staff members recognized was School of Nursing and Health Professions Professor Denise Cooper, who received the Rev. David Schuyler Award. The award acknowledges faculty or staff members who advise a student organization, supporting them in their endeavors, expanding their horizons and demonstrating a commitment to meeting the community’s needs.

Cooper serves as an advisor to Chaminade’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter, and has helped to expand its membership significantly and bolster participation in innovative projects. HOSA members are particularly excited about the organization’s future growth and community service opportunities.

2021 Co-Curricular Awardees:

Male Athlete of the Year: Isaac Amaral-Artharee
Female Athlete of the Year: Randi Fontes
Athletics’ Silversword Award: Catrina Liner
Campus Ministry Award: Edward-James Adachi
Liturgy Award: Kamaile Aipa and Taylor Skye Diego
Retreat Leader of the Year: Keanu Whitfield and Sierra Murobayashi
Service Award: Connor Flynn and Lillie Flynn
Outstanding Orientation Leader: Martina Segura
Outstanding Peer Mentor: Reyna Riesgo
Tutor of the Year: Rachel Reedy
Resident Assistant Award of Excellence: Tihani Rivera
Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence: Marianna Oka
Dean of Students’ Special Recognition: Dominic Coffey
Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence: Sean Lorenzo, Pamela Oda, Montserrat Lanfranco, Celine Mesiona-Perez and Keahealailani Takushi
Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award: Chemistry Club
Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award: Professor Denise Cooper
Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence: Taste of Culture (CSGA)
Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: Kamaile Aipa
Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award: Edward-James Adachi