Before I take off, I wanted to take a few moments to write a note to let you know how deeply I am appreciated by your aloha and hau'oli la hanau for my mother. I wanted to also inform you that our Parish Pastoral Assistant Tony Truong who has been with us for many years and accomplished so much good works among us will soon leave our parish. He had wanted to move off the island at the end of June to be closer to his family in California, but decided to stay until now. I am very thankful for his thoughtfulness for our church ohana and his kind care for me as a new pastor. I am very saddened to see him go. It is never easy to say good-bye to someone so invaluable to us as he has been. We wish him a safe journey and God speed as he undertakes a new transition in his life. I want to thank Barbi Gambol for putting together this brief history of Tony for us. I know we all will keep him and his family in your prayers. Mahalo nui loa Tony and abundant blessings from our Lord.
We, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church give thanks and praise to God who blessed us with Tony Truong, our beloved Sacristan of 20 years. As Sacristan, he attended all masses during weekdays and weekends, making sure that all liturgical aspects are in alignment. He also took on the added responsibilities of Liturgical Environment, Church Housekeeping and Grounds keeping. Tony was our overall handyman - our own "Jack-of-all-trades"! He is very meticulous in his work and his attention to detail is outstanding. Special occasions or not, Tony, along with our dedicated "Church Cleaners" would have the church spotlessly cleaned, beautifully decorated and the grounds, neat and trimmed. Thanks to Tony, we have our little areas of repose honoring Mother Mary on the Makai end and St. Joseph on the mauka end of the church grounds.
We see him faithfully serving the Lord every day and yet in his hectic schedule, we see him in daily prayer. His quiet demeanor, humble spirit, dedication and admirable sense of duty are some of the qualities that describe an exceptional person whom we all have grown to love and respect.
Tony, although you will be sorely missed, we'd like you to know that we are happy that you've decided to "take it easy" and be with your family. As you start this new chapter in your life, dare to explore new horizons! Do all the things you've been putting off because you didn't have time. Travel, start new hobbies, meet new friends. The best is yet to come!
May the good Lord bless your retirement with good health, wealth, and much happiness. Tony, our brother, we bid you a fond Aloha, but not good-bye. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
Indeed we say, 'Mahalo Tony from all of us.' You will always find a home in our hearts and an ohana here among us.