Tuesday within the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time (V29)
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Then-Father Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, performed during the parish fiesta at All Saints Church in Hayward, California, where he served as associate pastor for 10 years. (Courtesy Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ)

By Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald

At the heart of Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ’s coat of arms are two symbols that represent his loving embrace of family.

On the left are poppies and lupines signifying his home and family in California, and on the right is a Tongan kumete — a large, wooden ceremonial bowl that honors his adopted Tongan family and culture.

Throughout his Mass of ordination and installation as shepherd of the Diocese of Honolulu, both sides of his California and Tongan families held important roles. The lectors, for example, were one of his sisters, JoAnn Castori, and a cousin, Sitina Inukihaangana.

At the opening of the ordination rite, Bishop Castori’s Tongan brother, Father Emenisilito Tupou, presented him to principal consecrator Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordi­leone. After he was anointed with sacred chrism, some of his youngest relatives presented to him the episcopal insignia — ring, miter and crosier. Read more...

The Castori family at home in Carmichael, California: dad Michael, mom Lucille, sisters JoAnn and Pamela, young Michael and the family pet, Princess. (Photo courtesy Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ)

By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald

Though there was no way to know at the time, Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ’s childhood laid the groundwork for his current ministry as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu.

When he was growing up in Carmichael, California, the youngest of three children and only boy born to Michael and Lucille Castori, the family would take long summer vacations in which they went first to the mountains, then down to the ocean.

This intensive time together reinforced their love and connection to each other, Bishop Castori told the Hawaii Catholic Herald in an interview, and helped him experience God’s love through his family. Read more...

(Photo courtesy of Dann Ebina)

From the Office for Social Ministry

"In Hawaii… it is no mere coincidence that a people so interiorly disposed to receive the call of Christ the King, the same people should be animated by the luminous cultural values of ‘aloha’, which is, at its heart, selfless love."— Bishop Michael Thomas Tupou Castori S.J. Installation Mass, July 28, 2026

Hawaiʻi's new bishop is already living the words inscribed on his coat of arms: E hiki mai kou aupuni — "Thy kingdom come" — and he is doing so through the spirit of aloha. Aloha is far more than a greeting or a warm expression of hospitality. At its deepest level, it is a way of life that recognizes the dignity of every human person because each one is created in the image of God. It recognizes one another as members of one ‘ohana, one family, brothers and sisters all, where no one is left behind. At its heart, aloha is selfless love. Read more...

For two hundred years, the Catholic faith has taken root and flourished across these islands. Your gift to the Bicentennial sustains the celebrations by defraying the costs of speakers, venues, and events, so that we can better carry this mission into its third century.

Every contribution – of any size – will help us all to be better motivated and equipped to help write the next chapter of the Catholic faith in Hawai’i.

Give today at https://catholichawaii200.org/donate

Flyer available HERE.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Church, Waipahu

Brother knights, families, and all are welcome to celebrate the Feast Day of Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. Bring your rosary for the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

For questions, please contact the State Faith Director, SK Justin Agustin at faith@kofchawaii.org.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Honolulu

From the Office for Social Ministry

At Mary, Star of the Sea Church on Oahu, parishioners established their Ministry for Persons with Disabilities by welcoming persons with varying gifts and abilities to celebrate the “’Ohana Mass.” Ushers who are members of the Knights of Columbus offer a warm welcome and escort them to the designated pews where they were able to better participate in the Eucharist. After Mass, the community continues fellowship together through a potluck supper where all joyfully serve each other with nourishing food and aloha. These “‘Ohana Masses” and potluck fellowship normally take place on the fourth Saturday each month, 5:30 p.m. at Mary, Star of the Sea where all are welcomed to celebrate and share their gifts as one ‘Ohana.

Live stream available at Mary, Star of the Sea's YouTube Channel.

For more information, please call the parish office at (808) 734-0396 or email rafmendoza@rcchawaii.org.

The journey of a lifetime awaits. Save the Date!

In 2027, retrace the sacred roots of 200 years of Catholic faith in Hawaiʻi — from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the birthplace of St. Damien in Belgium. Join Bishop Emeritus Larry Silva, Bishop-Elect Fr. Michael T. T. Castori, SJ, and Fr. Lane Akiona, SS.CC., Provincial Superior, on a once-in-a-generation Heritage Pilgrimage to France & Belgium — a living celebration of Two Hundred Years of Faith. One Family. One Hawaiʻi. Contact Deacon Mike Browning to reserve your place on the interest list: mbrowning@rcchawaii.org. Pricing and registration available after January 1, 2027.

Learn more at https://catholichawaii200.org/#pilgrimage

Flyer available HERE.

World Youth Day 2027 Pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea
July 31 – August 10, 2027

Registration is open for our diocesan pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea. This once-in-a-lifetime experience invites young adults to encounter Christ, celebrate the universality of the Church, and be inspired alongside millions of young Catholics from around the world.

Flyer available HERE.

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 | Word

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal
1572–1641
Memorial - August 12

Jeanne-Françoise Frémiot was born in Dijon, France into a noble family. After her mother’s death when Jane was eighteen months old, her father provided Jane and her siblings with an excellent education and raised them as devout Catholics. Her brother later became the Archbishop of Bourges. Recognized for her beauty, intelligence, piety, faith, and strong moral character, twenty-year-old Jane married Baron Christophe de Rabutin, also known as Baron de Chantal. Read more...

(Image credit: Unkown artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Copyright © 2026 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!

NEWS

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

Bishop Castori: ‘Let the Islands Rejoice!’

‘In Awe’ of God’s Call, Bishop Castori Is Installed as Diocese’s New Shepherd

Bishop Silva's Homily for Vespers on the Eve of the Ordination of Bishop Michael Castori

The Coat of Arms of Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ

A Second Chance Begins with Someone Who Cares

Every Person Has a Place at the Table

Saint of the Week - John Vianney

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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