Priest and Magician - Father Matthew

St. Elizabeth's in Aiea recently invited Father Matthew Vellankal of Holy Spirit Church, Fremont, for a Lenten Mission. Father gave a Mission last year at another church in Hawaii.

Father was a magician (that sounds quite odd when writing about a Catholic priest :-) before being ordained. He entertains with his terrific magic tricks as he evangelizes. That is what he did at this particular mission.

My family and I were not able to attend the Mission. We were privileged instead to spend some quality time with Father thanks to my good friend. We visited Bellows Beach where we had a great time talking story with Father on the Catholic faith and just getting to know each other. I especially found his stories about meetings with Blessed Mother Teresa to be inspiring!

It was at Bellows that Father entertained us with some magic tricks.  The best trick is at the end of the video.



I think any parish who invites Father to hold a mission in their church is in for a treat because Father is priest who lives his faith with joy. He is a great model as a priest for boys and young men. I am so glad my son decided to join us that day.

If you are interest in inviting Father for a Mission talk, you can email him at fathermat@gmail.com.

Learning to Surf From a Priest

Here is my friend's son surfing under the guidance of Fr. Gr.



Fr. G. trying to balance himself




L. teasing Fr. G. in her usual tactful way "What happened Father? They kicked you out?" LOL. There was a surfing competition going on that Father was unaware of.

A lesson before actually getting on the surfboard

Fr. G. tucking in his Brown Scapular before heading back into the water