A new message each night:

HOLY SPIRIT has provided consolation for those who wanted to, but were not able to, fly to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress.  The combination of Relic Custodian, Peter Cruz and Catholic hip hop recording artist Joe Melendrez will inspire participants through captivating stories and energized music; drawing all deeper into knowing and loving JESUS in the Eucharist. Come and experience an epic journey into the world of prayer, praise and worship, and learn how to share your faith in real and relatable ways.

July 20 – St. Pius X, Manoa – “Chosen”

July 21 – St. George, Waimanalo – “Mission Driven”

Schedule

5:30 p.m. Talk: Peter Cruz
6:30 p.m. Music and Praiseship: Joe Melendrez
8:30 p.m. Adoration

About Joe
Joe Melendrez has forged a unique path to becoming one of America’s most exciting Catholic performers. His journey began at age fifteen when he appeared on MTV, sparking a passion for performance. It was during a Teen A.C.T.S. Retreat later that year where Joe experienced a profound encounter with God’s love, inspiring him to commit his life to spreading the Good News, , and releasing five major Catholic hip-hop albums. Joe shares the Gospel in many unique ways, including founding a faith-based clothing line, God Swagg Apparels. Notably, he creatively uses opportunities like winning a year of free Chipotle burritos as a means to evangelize with each meal.

Equipped with a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Dayton, Joe has served as a Religion Teacher and Youth Minister for over a decade.
In addition to his work in Catholic education, his dynamic ministry extends globally, from electrifying audiences across Europe, Africa,  Australia, South America, and the USA, to captivating crowds at major youth rallies, conferences, and national events.

Today, Joe Melendrez thrives as a devoted husband and father, natural MC, dynamic musical performer, inspirational speaker, and expert retreat leader.

There is no charge for the event but a freewill love offering will be taken to help Joe’s ministry

About Peter

Peter Cruz of St. of Anthony, Kailua, will speak first on the topic, “Our Saints — Witnesses of the True Presence”

Cruz moved with his family to Hawaii from the Philippines when he was 5 years old and has come to be the custodian of numerous Relics of Saints.  He first became fascinated with the stories of saints when he was 14. Later, after his older friend showed him her relic collection and even took him on one of her pilgrimages to Europe, his devotion continued to grow.

He eventually joined a group called the International Crusade for Holy Relics. That organization in turn sent him Relics to use in his parish presentations. When his older friend passed, she bequeathed to him her collection and now he has about 300 1st, 2nd and 3rd-class relics.

Cruz used a slideshow with photographs of Saints because showing the real faces of saints brings the faithful closer to them than do embellished or idealized statues and paintings.

“I think every Catholic, and even non-Catholics, can learn from and be deeply inspired by the example of the saints,” Cruz said. “The manner in which they were able to face life’s many challenges — big and small — with such hope, peace, and even joy is a powerful testimony of the Gospel message.”

There is no charge for the event but a freewill love offering will be graciously accepted.