Fr Hoare celebrates fifty years of priesthood - Photo: Joana Turaganiwai
“We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.”
A few weeks ago, I received an invitation from Fr Frank to attend this celebration, and then last week, he asked me if I could say a few words on the evangelization journey that we have shared.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone, Fr Frank, and I must say it is an honour for me to be standing here on this beautiful evening to share, however briefly, your contribution to the Evangelization Commission. And you know how it is always good to share our story.
I first met Fr Frank in 2014 when I became a fully-fledged Catholic at my confirmation. In the first week of January, an Archdiocese Prayer Leaders workshop was held at the Ashram. We were being taught the 7 Steps of Gospel Sharing. I recall my first spiritual direction sharing with him that weekend - it was an emotional and revealing moment for me. I thank you, Father, for your words of encouragement and affirmation.
Fr Frank prepares to cut his cake - Photo: Joana Turaganiwai
In 2016, when the Archdiocese Pastoral Council was being set up, I told Marisilina (the Chancellor) that I wanted to be part of the Evangelization Commission, and she said, “These are people nominated by His Grace and elected from around the regions, and it’s by invite”. I told her, “I will come through the ceiling if I have to” (lol), and I kept my foot in the door - trying to edge my way in. Fr Frank did advise me that, as an observer, I wouldn’t have any voting rights because of the structure then in place. I said, “That’s okay. I’m gonna be listening!”
Last year when Fr Frank emailed regarding his retirement, I felt sad and kinda lost because he has been instrumental in my faith journey and in terms of the little evangelization work that I try to do in the parish and beyond.
I must also thank you for your involvement with the Catholic Tertiary Students, especially at the College of Medicine, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) - and, of course, for being the Vicar for Evangelization. For your information, Father, today, for the first time in over thirty years, we have had an evaluation for the RCIA in the Archdiocese, and it has been an enlightening process. Thank you for the work you do.
Columbans and parishioners celebrate Fr Frank's anniversary - Photo: Joana Turaganiwai
If asked to list the values you have shared with me, they are these: dedication, simplicity, integrity, sincerity, passion, compassion, and love of being on mission. And you are a good storyteller too - something I am trying to be also.
Once again, congratulations and thank you, Father Frank.
Vinaka!
Joana Turaganiwai
Related links
- Read more from the current e-Kaulotu - July 2023
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