A project sponsored by:
The Marianist Sponsorship Ministries Foundation
SY 2021-2022; 2022-2023
The Marianists & the Arts program began...
with the vision to afford the Chaminade University of Honolulu community the opportunity to learn more about Hawaii''s first Marianists, and the spirit behind why they did what they did well in the creation of what eventually became known as Chaminade University of Honolulu.
The first year of the granted project focused on building “A Sense of Spirit; A Sense of Place” with the study of six of the early Marianists in Hawai’i. The second year of the project focused on using the Hawaiian translation (‘olelo Hawai’i) of the Characteristics of Marianist Education to inspire others to reflect on these guiding principles in their life, in their language, and hopefully as wisdom values to nobly live by. This is one way of perpetuating the legacy of Chaminade against the unique and diverse cultural richness of the environment embraced in the graciousness of the spirit of Hawai'i.
Here you will find documented this unprecedented journey. Mahalo to The Marianist Sponsorhip Ministries Foundation, to all the faculty and participants.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Sr. Malia D. Wong, O.P., D.Min, M.E.A.
Creative Director
HAWAII'S FIRST MARIANISTS...
What were they like?
What was life like for them living in old Hawai'i under the rule of King David Kalakaua and Queen Kapi'olani? What emotions must they have felt being in a mission so much further away from their novitiate house in Dayton, Ohio and many of their homelands in Europe? What might have been some of the challenges, frustrations, joys and longings endured?
What impelled them to obtain and steward the desert of Kalaepohaku to bloom into the present Chaminade University of Honolulu?
Mana'o from Marianists & Arts program participants
"I believe that one valuable aspect I can pinpoint from this program is the fact that it's hands on, you will always feel included and it's never a dull moment."
"The most valuable aspect of the Marianist and the Arts program for me was being able to communicate with my fellow nursing students and professors. I was very grateful to have the chance to reconnect with my love and passion for community service through the acts of service displayed by Father Mackey."
"The most valuable aspect of the Marianists and the Arts program for me was being able to learn about the first Marianist brothers that came to Hawaii because I think it helps me feel, as a student, more connected to the history and roots of Chaminade University."
"The most valuable aspect of the Marianists & the Arts program was learning more about the positive impact some of the missionaries have had here in Hawai’i. For the majority of my life, I was taught that missionaries were “bad” and did more harm than good. However, after learning about Brother Oliver Aiu’s life, it truly opened my perspective about the different ways Hawai’i has benefited from the many Marianist brothers and sisters."
"The most valuable aspect was seeing many diverse students and faculty learning about the Native Hawaiian language and culture."
"Bringing together the Chaminade ohana of today, yesteryear and tomorrow."
"The hands on experience and being able to do a craft that I have always wanted to do. I would sign up for another woodworking session."
"I appreciate that the legacy of those who have passed away is still being passed on and talked about and never forgotten."
*Our Lady of Kalaepōhaku (lava stone carving shown above) was commissioned by Brother Franklin Pao, SM for Hale Malia, the Brothers' residence when they took up residence there in 2002. It was sculpted by a native Hawaiian artist who followed the proper protocols when taking something from the sea. He chanted an oli seeking permission from the ocean to use this stone from the Waianae coast.