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As part of its Aina-based learning program, Saint Louis Schoolʻs faculty and students conduct traditional Oli at its Mother Mary Ahu to honor Mauiʻs people amidst the devastation of the recent fires.
Maui has been hit hard with the tragic fires in Lahaina, affecting all of us in various ways, including family and friends who live on the Garden Isle. Saint Louis Schools has chosen to offer oli, special Native Hawaiian chants, as part of its Aina-based program in hopes of sending healing and recovery from the devastation.
Kaipo Leopoldino, Hawaiian language and Kalamaku teacher, leads the oli each day, offering the healing prayers for other staff and Kalamaku students.“I think the impression was to create community and to offer another form of prayer,” explains Leopoldino. “The purpose of Oli is to basically prepare your mind, body and soul for whatever intentions you need.”
Kalamaku student, Kalai Kealoha has also “participated in Kani the Pu ohe, and chantʻs in the morning protocol.” The kani of the pu ohe is a tool used like a conch shell to symbolize the start of the piko by making a loud humming noise. Kealoha blows the pu ohe to mark the beginning of the piko, a time of prayer where people come together and offer chants as another form of prayer.
Kalamaku is the advanced Hawaiian Language course at Saint Louis School. Students qualify for the course when they have successfully completed three years of ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi. In addition, Kalamaku students must also complete three years of
As Kealoha participates in these morning prayers, he focuses on his family and friends who have lost so much. “It’s saddening and is very deep for all the other family and friends I have on Maui,” shares Kealoha.
Leopoldino says that “The purpose of Oli is to basically to prepare your mind, body and soul for whatever intentions you need.” As the ABL team continues to do a whole Anahulu, or ten days of prayers, they continue to send their mana for Maui’s healing and the recovery of the people in Lahaina.
Kealoha adds, “If other students want to join to not be hilahila, don’t be shy, and come out and be a part of our morning protocol.” As we continue to move forward in a positive direction, with Maui’s recovery in the works, students and staff participants want to encourage others to pray, for not only Maui, but for all of Hawai’i.
