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St. Francis Healthcare – Wellness and More

January 31, 2022

From the Office for Social Ministry

“May God give you health and strength so you will be able to lead the little ones to him
and teach them to love God more than anything in this World.”
St. Marianne Cope

Starting out the new year often begins with resolutions to get back into shape with health and strength exercises. And this past weekend, hundreds turned out in solidarity on Saturday, January 22–both in person and online–to walk for wellness together in honor of St. Marianne Cope’s Feast Day. The 9^th annual Wellness Walk and Fair was a resounding success, raising a record amount of funds to help support St. Francis Healthcare Systems, which follows faithfully in the footsteps of St. Marianne Cope. 

St. Marianne came to the islands in 1883 with six sisters from New York to care for those suffering from Hansen’s disease. She established the St. Francis mission and began a legacy of creating healthy and strong communities all across Hawaii, from Kakaako on O’ahu, Wailuku on Maui, and later Kalaupapa on Molokai.  Today her caring and compassionate ministry is carried on in the work of St. Francis sisters and their healthcare systems.

Hawaii Sunrise News anchor Billy V opened the festivities, with Bishop Larry Silva prayer offering a special inspiring prayer.  Participants were treated to online pre-recorded informational messages surrounding health and wellness on its event webpage: Saint Marianne Cope Walk & Wellness Fair 2022.

The Office for Social Ministry was proud to register its first virtual team and it won’t be its last! Iwie Tamashiro, our team leader and proud breast cancer survivor, logged in a one mile walk through her Mililani neighborhood and shared photos of her experience and journey online, while others offered exercises in private, and offered monetary donations. Mahalo to all who joined in the fun and for helping perpetuate the spirit of St. Marianne through the St. Francis Healthcare Systems, which is an invaluable resource for the diocese social ministries as we walk with the most vulnerable persons in Hawaii.

Let us continue our resolve to improve ourselves this coming year and please consider treating yourself to St. Francis Healthcare virtual or in-person classes that promote health, wellness, and awareness for you, for your kupuna or for our dedicated caregivers.  For more information on the free classes being offered in the month of February, please visit the St. Francis Healthcare Systems website www.stfrancishawaii.org or the OSM website. Kung Hee Fat Choy and Cheers to a blessed year ahead!