Observing the period of Lent was a common practice growing up in Hilo for me and my family. Attending the only Catholic private school on the east side of Hawai‘i we knew that Lent began on Ash Wednesday and ended six weeks later before Easter Sunday.  Prior to this, I couldn’t forget Fat Tuesday – oooh how ‘ono the malasadas were! I was so proud to be Portuguese and knew where to get the best malasadas.

During the season of Lent, I remember time spent sitting through weekly sermons as we travelled the fourteen Stations of the Cross casting our eyes upon the images on the stained glass that lined opposite walls of St. Joseph’s Church. As a student for 13 years at the school, I learned that words such as “sacrifice” and “discipline” were synonymous with the Lent season. 

The childhood memories engrained in me during this time were about sacrificing some sort of “privilege” like candy or a McDonald’s Big Mac.  Then there was fish for days!  Luckily as a family that fished the shorelines of Keaukaha, I remember the fish that we caught, cleaned, and ate more so during this time; as Lent was practiced by my father and his father growing up.  I did these things because I was told to – and perhaps not fully understanding the pieces that make Lent a time of clear reflection of mahalo for the goodness that I am surrounded with daily. 

As the years passed from elementary and intermediate into high school, the stories became much clearer and the details in the stained glass became more profound. The love of our Lord was so ever present. I grew up learning to love the Lord. The sacrifices that He made existed so that we may continue to exist in His glory and His name.

Over time, I learned to appreciate all that He has surrounded me with, and during this season of Lent, I would like to say “mahalo!”

The parents that took care of me – mahalo.
The school that I attended – mahalo.
My friends that I had near me – mahalo.
My house that sheltered me – mahalo.
The fish that we caught – mahalo.
Mahalo i ke Akua.
Mahalo i nā mākua me ka ‘ohana.
Mahalo i ka hana a nā kūpuna.
Mahalo i ka ‘āina o kākou nei. 

Our mahalo to what has been given to us will propel us forward in our lives. All that has been shared with you is because of His aloha for us all. Let’s not forget to say “mahalo.”

Sing along with the Lent week 2 hīmeni

KS Hawaiʻi seniors John McCollum IV and Israel Mata join Hawaiʻi campus Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard in singing the hymn, “Himeni Hoʻimaikaʻi Wau ia ʻOe – I Sing Praises” as part of this week’s Lent devotional. KS created Hawaiian-focused devotionals for use by KS students, families and others to celebrate the coming of Easter. Each includes scripture, student and staff messages, hīmeni and more. The devotionals will posted to the KS I Mua Newsroom every Friday leading up to Easter. See the devotionals as they post at http://www.ksbe.edu.

KS Hawaiʻi High School Poʻo Kumu Lehua Veincent (left) shares his manaʻo on saying “mahalo” during Lent as part of this week’s devotional. KSH Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard (right) helped develop the Lent series.

KSK Kahu Kordell Kekoa, KSM Kahu Kalani Wong and KSH Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard developed the Lent series. View their intro to the devotionals in the video below.

Kahu Kaunaloa (right) and his students John McCollum IV and Israel Mata sing this week’s hymn. Sing along by viewing the video below.

KS Hawaii senior Israel Mata, a keiki kahu, shares his manaʻo on giving thanks to God in this week’s Lent devotional.

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