A master’s degree in library science from the University of Hawaii in Honolulu prepared Sister Theresa Chow for a number of ministries — from serving in the library of various Catholic schools to the medical records department of St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu.
In her present day ministry as a National Park Service volunteer in Kalaupapa, Hawaii, she was involved in the re-establishment of the Saint Marianne Cope Library, located near St. Francis Church in Kalaupapa, in 2010. While schedules and staff duties make spiders the most frequent visitors, Sister Theresa maintains the library for study groups and/or anyone seeking a good book, video or CD.
A Sister of St. Francis for 65 years, Sister Theresa has found a talent for storytelling in her later years (she’s 86!). She has an amazing ability to hold the attention of an audience of tourists or pilgrims coming to Kalaupapa to experience the legend and legacy of Sts. Marianne Cope and Damien de Veuster. Sorting the facts from fiction Sister Theresa’s stories come to life in the minds of visitors to the island.
A love for nature and the abundance of vegetation now to be found on this once desolate peninsula is another aspect of Sister Theresa’s giftedness. Like the other 99 residents of Kalaupapa, she knows each plant by name. She showers tender loving care on her banana patch and avocado trees as well as her raised garden in the Kalaupapa National Historic Park nursery.
Walking in the footsteps of St. Marianne Cope, Sister Theresa enjoys every moment of every day. She is grateful to God for leading her to this new-found ministry of storytelling.
Having met Sister Teresa we had an enjoyable trip to Kalaupapa and loved her stories. She is doing a wonderful job and I hope to return some day. God bless you
Thank you for your kind comment, Denise. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed visiting Kalaupapa and listening to the words of our master storyteller! Peace and all good.
Aloha, anytime Sister needs a volunteer to help in the garden, just let me know. Seriously, Sister is a real blessing to Kalaupapa. Mahalo for sharing her story.
Sister Theresa Chow is a most amiable tour guide and story teller. Sister Davilyn Ah Chick and Sister Malia Wong were most gracious in escorting a full flight of our private group which included Monsignor Peter Kochery visiting from New Jersey to visit the Saint Marianne and Saint Damien settlement at Kalaupapa on the 6th of January, 2016, Wednesday. Our visit coincided with a memorial ceremony to remember the 150th anniversary of the first Hansen’s disease patient arriving to kalaupapa. The settlement is always a very moving experience and together, Sister Theresa, Sister Davilyn, and Sister Malia, made our experience particularly poignant. Mahalo Nui Loa and God Bless you all.