"Tis old yet ever new", begins the refrain of a hymn about the history of salvation by William A. Williams. "Tis old yet ever new" also sums up the American feast of Thanksgiving which we will be celebrating this coming week. In origin almost four centuries old, it is the story of families celebrating their first meal after having survived the harsh winter with the help and hospitality of the Native Americans who befriended them. Families celebrating the love, help and companionship of each other and caring friends... this "old" story is ever new as we gather every year to remember and give thanks for the many blessings we have received from God.
On a recent trip to attend the Amistad Institute in San Antonio, Texas, I stopped to visit my brother's family in Houston. Not having seen my niece in years, in this "old" family relationship it was a "new" insight and a "new" beginning, getting to know her all over again as a grown woman and mother of four. The visit with my family reflected Thanksgiving greeting in the front of their home.
As St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Thessalonians, "Let us give thanks always." For each Thanksgiving is ever new. As a nation, we remember and give thanks for those who put themselves in harm's way in order that we may have freedom, those whose life remains just a memory. As we stop to give thanks, we are aware of those who are most vulnerable: those caught in the trap of human trafficking, especially our kupuna who have no one to care for them and those who have no home to go to at the end of the day. These are the realities we are called to face each day.
I am thankful for each one of you, for your families, volunteers, for our friends and visitors who come together to be thankful. We thank Deacon Richard Port who for over three decades has served our church with his wife Ann. Together they initiated many ministries, encouraged young people in the call to the priesthood and the deaconate. He will be fully retiring at the end of this year. In addition, we thank God for those he has brought to help fill the gap. Sister Rose Marie Pelligra, OSF who has been with us since summer, a fresh new face on our staff and a quiet presence in our community. We also welcome Deacon Angken Xymoon who came from Chuuk State and is now assigned to our community by Bishop Silva. We reach out to the newest members of our community, make them feel welcome and give thanks to God for gifts they bring.
We thank especially Geri O'Leary, and her husband Dan. Geri has faithfully served our parish as Outreach volunteer coordinator for many years. We thank parish leadership and volunteers who give countless hours to ministries and services including those who are helping with our Catholic Care Project and monthly Hawaii Foodbank Distribution.
Let us give thanks! Let us cherish both old and new and forget not the Giver.