Having participated in many a May Day over the years, May Day 2009 was a winner! The weather cooperated to ‘da max’. The acoustics ‘did their thing’. The youngsters’ performances were fantastic (and as an old retired teacher, I can vouch for the effort and work put into the entire program!). Our MC’s did a beautiful job of introducing each class. Mrs. Arecchi’s sweetly introduced the ‘important’ guests…like Fr. Bert, Fr. Johnathan, Sisters Grace & Joan and Sr. William Marie (who did so very much to put St. Michael’s back on the map). The teachers and staff were highly coordinated as they may-poled with brilliant smiles on their faces . And what a delight for this Irish lady to have a dance dedicated to the isle of her ancestors!

The Taste of St. Michael’s was a great success. From Filipino Adobo & Lumpia to good old Hot Dogs & Hamburgers. From Italian Crab Cioppino, Mexican Chili, Samoan Palusami, Tongan smoked pig to Portuguese Vinha D”Alhos and Malasadas. When I heard it was a ‘taste’…I thought it would be only that…but wow! What helpings. Of course, we will have to set up several shave ice areas next year. Above all, our deepest Mahalo to those who provided all this delicious food, cooked it, and served it. And a special thank you to our pastor in his cow hat running around offering extra dinner rolls. That was a Kodak moment!

I arrived at morning Mass at 6:30 to find Fr. Johnathan and buddies already at work. I arrived again before nine to drive around several blocks looking for a parking place. I had to leave my ‘job’ of wrapping plastic forks several times to hug and kiss and love up friends and former students (two with triplets!!!). And I watched the joy on faces as they saw neighbors, fellow parishioners, and much of the North Shore. There is NO place on Oahu that compares to our beloved St. Michael’s.

Tags: Adult Faith Formation, St. Michael, Reflection