Tuesday within the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (V26)
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[Immaculate Conception Church, Lihue]

Sometimes it is very difficult to serve the Lord. We would like to think otherwise, but the Scriptures give us too much evidence that serving the Lord Jesus can bring many challenges and much suffering.

Here we see Peter, the one who was so afraid of suffering and death that he denied the Lord the night before he died. Now, however, he is so bold in preaching the Lord Jesus that he is thrown in prison, perhaps awaiting the same fate that Herod dealt out to the Apostle James – death! Yet the angel of the Lord amazingly frees him from prison, making the chains drop off his wrists, opening iron doors and gates, and keeping the many guards assigned to him in a stupor, such that none of them noticed their charge escaping from prison. In a short time, we see him preaching once again, doing the very thing that got him in trouble in the first place. He suffered many more trials, and finally was crucified on the Vatican hill in Rome, asking to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner that Jesus had died. How could Peter have gone back for so much punishment and persecution? It was because he was crazy in love with Jesus!  He knew Jesus was risen from the dead and was with him always, and that deep abiding love caused him to suffer with joy! And we celebrate him today. Read more...

Fr. John Molina, Vicar of the East Hawaii Vicariate, blesses the homes with holy water. (Photo courtesy of Hope Services Hawaii.)

AINALOA – HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, Inc. (HOPE) today celebrated the blessing and grand opening of Kahua Kahe Mālie Integrated Care Hub (ICH), a new medical respite and behavioral health care facility in Ainaloa. The blessing ceremony was held at TreeFern Drive, marking a major milestone in expanding care for Hawaiʻi Island’s homeless population.

The Integrated Care Hub represents a significant expansion of HOPE’s medical respite program, which began in 2021 with just four beds at their women’s shelter. Thanks to key partnerships with Hilo Benioff Medical Center, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, the State of Hawaiʻi’s Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions (Ohana Zones), the County of Hawaiʻi, and Ohana Health Plan, the program has grown to provide critical care for individuals recovering from illness or injury while experiencing homelessness. Read more...

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From the Office for Social Ministry

“In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Christ, who is our hope, indeed calls all of us to come together, that we might be that true living example: the light of hope in the world today.” Pope Leo XIV video message, Chicago, June 14, 2025

Recently, thousands gathered at the Chicago White Sox stadium to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, a native of the city’s south side. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich led the sold-out Mass, which featured a virtual video message from Pope Leo XIV himself. Pope Leo XIV concluded his heartfelt message with this invitation: “I would like to invite all of you to take a moment, to open up your own hearts to God, to God’s love, to that peace which only the Lord can give us. To feel how deeply beautiful, how strong, how meaningful the love of God is in our lives. And to recognize that while we do nothing to earn God’s love, God in his own generosity continues to pour out his love upon us. And as he gives us his love, he only asks us to be generous and to share what he has given us with others.”

Chicago also recently celebrated Memorial Masses for the passing of two beloved persons who were shining examples of sharing God’s unconditional love. Read more...

Phoenix Carter at the Bishop Museum’s Science and Sustainability Festival last month. (Photo courtesy of Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP)

Viriditas2: Soul Greening

Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald

I graduated with the class of 2025 from Saint Michael School and will be continuing my journey in the fall at Kamehameha Schools. One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had recently was carving an awa dish at the Bishop Museum (during the Science and Sustainability Festival May 31).

Using a chisel and mallet, I shaped the wood with intention and prayer. This moment wasn’t just about making something — it was about continuing a legacy.

I grew up watching my uncle Nalu Andrade carve. His dedication and creativity fascinated me, and when I was 10, I asked him if he could teach me. Since then, he’s been guiding me, year after year. He’s not only taught me the craft but also the meaning behind it — how carving can be a way to honor both our Native Hawaiian ancestors and our creator. Read more...

The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, who have served us here in Hawaii since 1883 when they arrived with St. Marianne Cope, are celebrating their General Chapter from July 13-19, 2025 in New York. Please keep them in your prayers as they deliberate on their future direction and elect a new leadership team.

Sunday, July 13 - Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Blessed Sacrament Church, Honolulu

Jesse Romero, dynamic Catholic author, speaker, and radio host will present Preparing Your Hands for Battle for three consecutive evenings. This event is sponsored by the Catholic Men's Fellowship of Hawaii. For more information, please contact Ron Gochenouer at (808) 306-7502.

Flyer available HERE.

Friday, July 18, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Japanese Cultural Center, Honolulu

Join the 2nd Annual "Sip & Savor" Wine Tasting and Dinner Fundraiser for the Catholic Men's Fellowship of Hawaii. The evening will feature guest speaker Jesse Romero. This event will help fund future events for the  CMFH including conferences, seminars, and other speaker events.

Flyer available HERE.

Friday, July 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Immaculate Conception Church, Lihue

Come together as one 'ohana in faith for a Night of Worship at Immaculate Conception Church in Lihue. This free event is open to the whole family for a night of praise & worship music led by the Immaculate Conception Youth Choir, an inspirational talk by Kauai's own Fr. EJ Resinto, and a moment to spend with our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The event is free, no registration is needed!

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
St. Catherine Church, Kapa'a

You are invited to the Jubilee 2025 Day of Study on Kauai – a special opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow alongside others seeking deeper understanding and renewed hope.

CLICK HERE to watch the promo video.

What’s special about this Day of Study?
• Local theologian and master catechist Dallas Carter will be offering the keynote and facilitating breakout sessions
• Special sessions just for YOUTH in grades 6 – 12 on identity and purpose in Christ
• Incredible breakout sessions with great presenters to choose from to help deepen your understanding and faith

Whether you serve in a parish ministry or are simply hungry to grow in faith, this day is for you. REGISTER TODAY and invite friends, family members, your ministry or youth group, or fellow parishioners to come with you!

Cost: $20 for the day! (Optional box lunch add-on)
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jubilee-2025-day-of-study-kauai-tickets-1400236387729

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Church, Pahoa

Clergy and couples are invited to attend a Living Sacred Sexuality workshop, to better understand and live the concepts of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Unlock passion, reignite conversation, and expand the meaing of marital intimacy. Don't just study Theology of the Body - live it!

Register by Sunday, August 3rd at WWMEBigIsland@gmail.com.
A $10 fee will be collected at the workshop.

For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/5629ztx7, email WWMEBigIsland@gmail.com, or text (808) 478-6071.

Flyer available HERE.

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Mr. Mariana Paletti, the father of Father Raju Paletti, MF, who has substituted for us at Maria Lanakila and St. Rita Parishes on Maui. His father passed away on June 23, 2025 in India. May he rest in peace.

Word of Life is a monthly resource from the USCCB's Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. Each month includes resources for print and are adaptable for digital efforts including Feature of the Month, Intercessions for Life, Bulletin Quotes, and Bulletin Art. Learn more at www.respectlife.org.

Available in English: PDF

Saint Junipero Serra
1713–1784
Memorial - July 1

Miguel José Serra y Ferrer was born as the third of five children in the village of Petra, on the island of Majorca, Spain, in the Mediterranean Sea. In his youth, he worked on the family farm but frequently visited the nearby Franciscan church where he was enrolled in school. The friars were so impressed with him that they encouraged him to join them in their vocation. Around the age of sixteen, Miguel moved to Palma, the capital of Majorca, where he entered the Franciscan order. After taking his vows, he was given the name Junípero, in honor of one of Saint Francis of Assisi’s companions. At the age of twenty-four, Brother Junípero was ordained a priest. Read more...

(Photo credit: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com) Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life

Support your local parish online! You can give directly to your parish on the Diocese of Honolulu's Offertory page at www.catholichawaii.org/offertory.

On behalf of the parishes in the Diocese of Honolulu, thank you for your gift of support. Mahalo nui loa!

JULY

Independence Day Holiday, Jul 4

Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate of John Akau, Jul 12

"Preparing Your Hands for Battle" with Jesse Romero, Jul 13-15

"Sip and Savor" Fundraiser, Jul 18

AUGUST

Mass of the Holy Spirit for Catholic School Educators, Aug 14

Hawaii State Admissions Day Holiday, Aug 15

50th Anniv. Mass for Vietnamese Catholic Community, Aug 15

Mass for the Deacon Summer Institute, Aug 16

Installation of Fr. Tui as Pastor of Sacred Heart, Punahou, Aug 16

Mass for 155th Anniv. of Our Lady of the Mount, Kalihi, Aug 17

Installation of Fr. Resinto as Pastor of St. Catherine, Kapaa, Aug 24

NEWS

For our most recent news, visit www.catholichawaii.org.

Faithful Find Connection, Inspiration in Traveling Jubilee Cross

Opening the Borders of Our Hearts

Saint of the Week - Saint Irenaeus

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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