BOSTON — What began as casual conversation about Hawaii between Callistus Bamberg, OFM, and postulant Scott Carey evolved into a special event for residents of the Province’s retirement friary here and the postulants.
A viewing of the feature film, “Molokai: The Story of Father Damien,” brought the postulants and retired friars together on Nov. 15, according to John Maganzini, OFM, who directs the postulant program.
The movie tells the story of Damien’s mission and ministry to the leprosy-sufferers, who were relentlessly exiled to the Hawaiian island of Molokai.
“The movie’s sets and scenes looked very much like I had remembered them,” said Callistus, who has led pilgrimages to the island of Molokai and the village of Kaluapapa, the site of the well-known leper colony. Today, it is a state park.
During the movie’s intermission, attendees socialized over appetizers, prepared by postulants Scott, Gerald Hopeck and Michael Reyes.
Richard McFeely, OFM, guardian of Saint Anthony Residence, across the street from Saint Anthony Shrine, said he was pleased to see his entire community join in the occasion with the postulants.
“Both the retired friars, who have given a lifetime of service, and the postulants, who are in the first stage of their religious formation, benefit from sharing in each other’s company,” said John.
After the film and discussion, the postulants and John remained for dinner and dessert. The evening of sharing and fraternity was a great success, said Scott, and another is already being discussed.
“Several friars expressed interest in seeing ‘The Mission,’ a film about the 18th century Spanish Jesuits who protected a South American Indian tribe from being exploited,” Scott said.