Nov
4
2009
Samuel A., seminarian, December 30, 2011
I enjoyed reading your book and shared it with other seminarians. Are you writing another book? I cannot wait to read the next one.
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Fr. Joseph Priestley, SM, October 6, 2011
I love your book! I am looking forward to reading your next book.
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Bishop Larry Silva, Bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu, September 23, 2011
“Beautiful!”
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John K., April 2011
You did a great job putting it together!
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Deacon Kin Borja, St. Elizabeth Parish in Aiea, January 16, 2011
Easter, we use your book for RCIA. Thank you!
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M. Aglia, Kapolei, January 16, 2011
How I love your book, Easter! I found it in my brother’s car and I knew I had to take it and read it. I am so glad I did!
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Erlinda P., St. Joseph, Big Island, September 12
I loved reading your book. I’d like to be a part of this wonderful project.
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Carmie C., St. Jude Parish in Kapolei, September 10
I enjoyed reading your book very much. You are such a good writer.
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Steve O., St. Philomena Church
Your book is a great tool for evangelization.
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Josefina P., Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Sept. 5
I look forward to reading your next book!
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Dave P., St. John Vianney, Kailua, August 26
Easter, I really, really enjoyed reading your book! (He must have said this at least four times.)
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Windeatte O., Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, August 25
It’s a good book!
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Luz O., Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu, August 24
I love reading your book. I read it every chance I get, even on the bus. I am deeply touched by the stories. Thank you for writing a book!
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Bobbie W., Our Lady of Sorrows in Wahiawa, August 24
I am enjoying reading your book very much. I read one or two stories a day. Thank you for writing that book! You are an inspiration.
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TJ U., St. John in Mililani
Aunty Easter, I finally finished reading your book. I like it very much!
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Patricia K., St. John Vianney, August 22
Yes, I think you should continue doing what you’re doing now!
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Henrietta, St. John Vianney, August 22
I got your book at the Benedictine Monastery. I like it! Thank you for doing this, and I am glad you mentioned the BCC.
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Kepa, St. Anthony, Aug 1
I already read two-thirds of the book! I like the poems especially!
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Bill T., St. Anthony of Padua, Aug. 1
I am buying your book because I hear many good things about it; I heard it is a very good book and that is is well-written.
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Merci P., Our Lady of Sorrows in Wahiawa, August 1
Easter, I read portions of your book with the intention of giving it to my daughter before she leaves for the mainland; the timing is perfect. But now I want 2 more copies. Where can I get them?
(@Pauline Books and Media Center in Honolulu, and Cathedral Gallery next to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace)
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Lavern Lei C., St. Anthony of Padua in Kailua, August 1
I have the book on the Eucharist which you sold years ago and I love it. I still have it and read it.
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Mary B., St. Anthony of Padua in Kailua, August 1 (she bought the book somewhere else and brought it to the book sale and signing at St. Anthony’s)
I love your book, and it’s so nice that you talked about BCC.
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Rose Z., St. Jude in Kapolei
I love the reflections you included in the book. They make the book holy.
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Theresa S., St. Philomena Church, June 19
I love your book! It’s very inspirational. I bought 2 more copies: one for my sister and one for my mother. Thank you.
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Veronica S., June 9
I read the stories over again. They are very inspirational. I also like the reflections. Overall, the book is well put!
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Elena M., through a writer, June 9
I enjoy reading the book! It’s well put!
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Monica T., Schofield
Jodie gave me your book and I love it!
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Jean Q., St. Anthony Church, Kalihi, May 28
Easter, I love your book! I enjoy reading the stories and your reflections. If you have another book to sell, just come.
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Venny V., Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, May 26
Just to let u know I find your book very inspiring, I read it at random and am touched by people’s stories of their faith journey. You were meant to do this book!
May 27
Just got thru reading your inspiring poem, “Why Me Lord” loved it.:-) I also love BJ Schreiner, she served with at FDC for 5 years (she’s still going!). Thanks for all you do…
Barb U., St. John the Evangelist Church, Mililani, posted May 25
My son doesn’t like to read but he reads your book every chance he gets. He also reads it during adoration at Our Lady of Good Counsel.
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Marie S., May 22
I liked the way you put the book together. You did a great job!
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Jayne Y., diocesan employee
Thank you for all you do for the diocese. You did a great job! The book is what we need as Catholics, sharing our journeys, encouraging each other, and drawing other people to the church.
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Margaret B., Sacred Heart Church in Punahou, May 16
How I love your book! It was the first book that I bought that I couldn’t put down. I had to finish reading it. Keep writing!
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Carl B., Sacred Heart Church in Punahou, May 16
Good book!
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Josefina A., Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, May 13
Your book is so good! Go make another one!
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Lita P., parishioner of St. John Church in Mililani, May 1
I’m halfway done reading your book. The stories are inspirational. I like your reflections and poems!
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Estrellita A., St. Anthony in Kalihi, March 20-21, 2010
I bought the book you promoted 5 years ago and enjoyed reading it. Keep writing!
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*Manang A., at the book sale at St. Anthony in Kalihi on March 20-21
I bought that book at another parish and finished reading it. That book is fantastic!
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*Clayton, Cathedral Choir (Clayton won the book at the Appreciation Night hosted by the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace), March 7, 2010
I am reading one story with its reflections a night and have been enjoying it. Your book came in time for my Lenten journey.
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*EJ Resinto, seminarian, Diocese of Honolulu, post date: December 1
Thank you so much for sending us your book. I am enjoying the stories in them. It has given me even more appreciation for the people of Hawaii, who if God wills it, I will one day serve as a priest. Continue doing what you are doing, and thank you for serving our Lord in this special way. God bless you and your family.
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*Puna Shorba, Alewa Heights; post date, November 24
Saw you book in the Gallery and got myself a copy. Already read one and loved it. Great job collecting these stories for all of us to read, enjoy, and be edified, blessed.
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*Nancy C., Ph.D., Kapolei, November 22
My husband and I read one story a night. I can tell from your reflections that you spent many hours in prayer to discern what to write for each story. The editing was done well. Thank you for giving us a spiritual map.
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*Tracy Gentry, Waikiki, November 19
This work is such a beautiful expression of how the Lord moves and carries our lives… and He touches us all in the most unusual ways. It proves to me that Jesus still performs miracles today, and that we should expect His miracles.
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*Jerry Gill, Honolulu, November 19
Thank you for assembling this beautiful book. Thank you for Easter’s Notes after each entry.
The whole book is such a joy, such an inspiration. I really feel a part of God’s Hawaiian community.
My favorite story is My Joyful Life with Christ. It is so filled with praise and thankgiving and joy.
Love and joy in Jesus,
Jerry
*S.C., Parishioner of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Post date: November 12
I wish you “oodles of success” with the special book that you so lovingly crafted. I am very proud of you!!
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*Debbie K., Nanakuli, Post date: November 10
I just want to thank you for everything that you have done and keep up the spreading of the “Good News”
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*Gary A., Kalihi, Post date: October 28
The book is really good. My wife and I have been reading your book. The stories are very inspirational and your comments add much to it. Don’t stop, Easter. Keep doing what you’re doing.
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*Terence K, Moiliilii, October 28
Aloha Easter, I find your book interesting and delightful… Regards to you all at home, Terry
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*Liane Aiona, Honolulu, October 27
After reading the wonderful testimonies in the book I felt the sincere love of all the people who wrote their stories. All have a testimony that God lives and he is good… I look forward to serving him continually. The book is very good!
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*Suzanne M. C., Nuuanu, October 27
Your overall comments were wonderful….. nice job. Good book. Thank you so much.
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*France Morris, Pearl City, post date: October 23
What a nice book — GREAT job… Thank you so much… I enjoyed reading several of the stories already and I also like your comments/reflections after each story — nice touch!!! Very professionally done — Congrats!
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*Teresa Fredericks, Makakilo, October 23
Easter’s book hits home. I personally know several of the Catholics who gave their testimony, which makes the reading all the more sweeter. And now I have memorized Rose Zabanal’s prayer that an Italian nun taught her (you’ll have to read it to find out). Lovely book. Thank you Easter, my loving sister-in-Christ.
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*Esperanza De Leon, Eva Beach, October 22
Very insightful! I will buy one for my husband to read.
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*Janina Cortez, Mililani, October 22
Just received your wonderful book.
…. Talk about a tearjerker! The stories are not only touching but the kind that you must let soak in to reflect on God’s goodness. What a wonderful book and so aptly titled.
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3
2009
Rae Stabosz, Newark, Delaware, Sept. 12
However, I do think the excellence of Serving God Joyfully Right Here in Hawai’i goes far beyond its incidental similarity to the Chicken Soup books. Easter’s book inspires down to the very bone of my being. I don’t know what instructions she gave to her contributors, but she has managed to produce an expression of how one local church – the Catholic Church in Hawai’i – reflects the beauty, excitement, vitality, heroism, dark-seeing faith, light-bearing compassion, of the unversal Church, visible and invisible. In Easter’s book I find a modern witness to the reality of the communion of saints. I know why I love Christ in His Bride, the Church. And I long to visit the Diocese of Hawai’i and meet its people. Or, perhaps, to attempt a similar project and discover in the Diocese of Wilmington too a garden of flowering souls of faith, hope and love in Christ.
Reading “Serving God Joyfully” by Easter Almuena. Personal epiphany! If I didn’t know Easter as a Pauline Cooperator, it wouldn’t be such an epiphany, though still cool. It is in the knowing of Easter online that I ken her unashamed expression of joy & hope. I am most comfortable expressing HORRORS in depth, & JOYS in… brief scattershot. Easter expresses joy in abundance. And without sentimentality. Win! (Facebook)
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Jack O.K., Philadelphia, August 19
It’s a good book! I like it; so does my mom!
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*Cora P., California, July 30
I lent it to my friend and she liked it so much. I probably wouldn’t have gotten it back if I didn’t ask for it, after two weeks.
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*Cora’s friend and officemate, California.
It is a very good book that is hard to put down!
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*Ghee S., Texas, July 23
I really enjoyed reading your book on the plane. Still halfway to go but it made me feel really good and blessed
knowing about these people’s different life stories but all united by the love and service with our Lord.
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*Bel L, Tustin, CA, May 19
I’ve started reading your book and I’m impressed with how deeply rooted you’ve become. The stories are faith building…
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*Emmy P., Austin, Texas, May 13
Let me know how and where to order your very nice book. It is very inspiring. Congratulations! I love you and take care always!
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*Beverly O., Michigan, March 22, 2010
I love it! I love it very much! It is so nice that I can just pick out a story and read it. I am taking it home with me and proudly show it to my friends and tell them that I know the author.
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*Nancy Widener, Florida, Jan. 26, 2010: I LOVE your book! They are all wonderful stories! One of my favorites is “Just a Week Before” by John Fielding! What a lovely story! I can only rejoice at the homecoming this man had when he was face to face with Jesus! You know, I was thinking that this could be a really good source for a group study! I mean…your reflections are great for discussions and the questions you ask are challenging to my very core! For instance, one of the questions you pose after the story “A Trusting Master and a Reluctant Servant” by Rose Balayan…….”Have you ever felt that God was calling you for a task you thought was so gigantic that you cringed and wished you didn’t have the nerve to listen to him in the first place?” Now THAT is a loaded question! For me, the answer is not one I’m proud of. I so appreciate how you share about your own journey too. Your book has helped me to see how anybody and anything can be used by God to give us a Servant’s Heart! Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things all for the love of God!
Anyway….I love it! I’m waiting for Volume II !!!!!
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*Marivic Lipton, Staten Island, NY: Thank you so much for sending me your book. I started reading it and it is beautiful.
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*Taos Wright, New Hampshire: I met you at St. Philomena’s Church a few days ago, and I purchased your book. I am enjoying reading it very much. Your notes and reflections and the stories are most inspirational. And are all food for thought. You have a great gift of the written word and of sharing your faith with others.
It is a very good book! I enjoyed reading it very much!
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Comments Off Oct
26
2009
Book is currently undergoing facelift for 2nd Edition
*AMR TALK , October 21, 2010
with book sale and signing, 9am, AMR Chapel
* August, St. John Vianney Church in Kailua
5:00 PM on Saturday
7:00, 9:00, 11:00 AM on Sunday
*July 31-August 1, St. Anthony in Kailua
July 31, Saturday @5:00pm
August 1, Sunday @6:30, 8:30, 11:00am, 6:00pm
*July 17-18, St. Augustine Church in Waikiki
Saturday, July 17 @5:00pm
Sunday, July 18 @6:30am, 8:00am, 10:00am and 5:00pm
*July 10-11, Our Lady of Sorrows in Wahiawa
Saturday, July 10 @5pm
Sunday, July 11 @7am and 9am
*May 1 – 2, 2010, Pope Pius X Church in Manao
Steve Odo, Pat Paakaula, BJ Shreiner, and Cyrene Almuena signing. Invited writer from St. Patrick Church: Aileen Chong-LeBlanc.
*April 24-25, 2010, Sacred Heart Church in Punahou
Steve Odo, Pat Paakaula, BJ Shreiner, and Cyrene Almuena signing. Invited writer from St. Patrick Church: Aileen Chong-LeBlanc.
*March 20-21, 2010, St. Anthony Church in Kalihi
*December 19 and 20, St. John Evangelist Church in Mililani
Melissa Crisostomo, Maile Domingo and Lynette Tanaka signing
*December 5-6, Our Lady of Good Counsel
Sr. Marie Romano, OSF, France Morris and Rose Sumida signing
*November 21 and 22, St. Jude Church; Sat 5pm; Sun: 7, 9 and 11am
Rose Zabanal, signing
*November 14 and 15, St. Philomena Church; Sat @5:3pm, Sun @7, 9:00am and 12pm
Faye Briones and Paul & Faith Kealoha signing
*November 8, Sunday, Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, after the 9 and 10:30 a.m. Masses
All contributing writers are scheduled to sign
Invitation extended to all those who helped in the project
*Easter Almuena signs at all Book Signing and Sales
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Comments Off Oct
25
2009
Book Signing and Sale at Pope Pius X in Manoa, May 1-2, 2010
On this photo: Easter A., BJ S., and Steve O.
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Comments Off Oct
22
2009
Proceeds benefit the homeless of Hawai’i!
Currently out of copies.
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Comments Off Oct
21
2009
Thank you for your interest! If you are from the mainland and wish to start a project like this, order this book, Serving God Joyfully Right Here in Hawaii, and see how you can duplicate it in your own diocese. I assure you, it will be a big blessing to your diocese – in countless ways.
Currently out of copies.
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Comments Off Oct
19
2009
Blessings come
Like flowers in springtime
Whisks the senses
Taking me ashore
Inviting me to the waves of challenges
At dusk back to the sands of rests
To the bows of the now
And the promises of tomorrow
There never is fear
In this paradise of love
For it was created
Out of love
And in love
©2009 Easter Almuena
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Comments Off Oct
18
2009
Joy of Christ Press was created as an inspiration, an inkling, which shaped and formed into a firm assurance of God’s voice. Now a publishing company, with Easter Almuena as its owner, it aspires to bring out the beauty in the Main Writer and Main Author: God himself. For I am merely a pencil, a pencil which glides forward in the Hand that moves it.
It is my hope to gracefully illustrate in words and pictures and music the true essence of God’s being — in a language we all understand.
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