Spanish Mass offered Monday

KAPAA — Hablas espanol?

St. Catherine Church will be hosting a special service on Monday that will be spoken in Spanish.

“It’s completely in Spanish,” said Mary Alfiler, a member of St. Catherine’s clergy. “Father Arlan (Intal) is a Filipino priest who speaks Spanish, like a lot of Filipinos who are partly Spanish speakers.”

The Mass is scheduled for 6 p.m. A procession starts at 5:50 p.m. at Coyle Hall.

Alfiler is passionate about promoting this service because it will be held in the honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a symbol of faith for Hispanic Catholics.

“There’s a great love of our Lady of Guadalupe for not only Hispanic people, but for everyone. I love her, too,” Alfiler said. “My brother had a picture of her in his meditation room. There’s two big holidays for Mary in December. Dec. 8, which is the immaculate conception, and Dec. 12, which is our Lady of Guadalupe.”

The Rev. Anthony Rapozo of St. Catherine Church wanted this service to be made possible and has been encouraging the Hispanic community to be a part of this momentous occasion, said Alfiler.

“There are a lot of Hispanic people on Kauai and our priest, Father Anthony Rapozo, who I adore, is reaching out to the Spanish people and telling them ‘Let’s do it,’” Alfiler said. “I feel that our Lady of Guadalupe is important for people to see her image and know her humility. My sister-in-law is Mexican and they get it it. They get that it’s for everybody, not just for the high and mighty, and she appeals to that.”

Alfiler does not speak Spanish, but intends to attend the Mass out of appreciation for the culture and because she enjoys hearing the language being spoken, calling it “melodic” in its rhythm and sound.

Those who attend are encouraged to bring a rose for Mary and a favorite dish to share after the service.