Tuesday within the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time (V42)
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Members of the Sacred Heart community, representing the islands of Chuuk’s Machew region, processed through St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea during the offertory Oct. 18 at the Micronesian community’s celebratory Mass. (Celia K. Downes / Hawaii Catholic Herald)

Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald

The Diocese of Honolulu’s Micronesian Catholic community hosted a vibrant and joyful celebration over two days last month, sharing their culture, traditions and strong legacy of Catholic faith as part of the broader commemoration of the bicentennial of Catholicism’s arrival in Hawaii.

The first part of the festivities, hosted by the Chuukese Catholic Community of Hawaii and other communities from the Federated States of Micronesia, took place Oct. 17 at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki, where various aspects of the Micronesian Catholic community were proudly on display.

Attendees could learn about the history of the Catholic Church in the Federated States of Micronesia, a country which comprises hundreds of islands in the western Pacific Ocean; observe traditional songs, dances and attire; and hear how the Micronesian community adapts and integrates into new societies. Read more...

In the top photo from Sept. 26, the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Community from the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa sponsored an Apostleship by the Sea-Hawaii Mass at Pier 38 (the Honolulu Fish Auction) in Honolulu. Below, the AoSH Mass at Pier 36 on Oct. 17, the day before the centennial of World Mission Sunday. (Courtesy Quinnie Hoang [top] and Miggy Sabater [bottom])

By Deacon Marlowe Sabater
Special to the Hawaii Catholic Herald

Oct. 18 marked the centennial of World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. This year, Pope Leo XIV chose the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,” inviting the faithful to renew their commitment to sharing Christ’s love with the world.

The Diocese of Honolulu’s Apostleship of the Sea-Hawaii (AoSH) Ministry, within the Office for Social Ministry, celebrated this milestone a day early with 37 seafarers from the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, representing 10 fishing vessels in Hawaii’s longline fishery. Joining the occasion at Pier 36 in Honolulu Harbor were 59 parishioners from the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu and Resurrection of the Lord Church in Waipio Gentry (bottom photo).

Reflecting on this year’s theme, the AoSH Ministry, parishioners and seafarers came together to live out their shared mission in Christ. Every gathering at Honolulu Harbor is a witness to the unity we find in him — regardless of nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, culture, profession or economic circumstances, we gather as one at the altar of Christ. Read more...

(AnnaStills / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“The Lord is the refuge of the poor” (cf. Psalm 14:6)
Pope Leo XIV’s theme for the 10th World Day of the Poor, November 15, 2026

Where do we turn when life becomes overwhelming? For this year’s World Day of the Poor, November 15, Pope Leo XIV chose a theme that offers both reassurance and responsibility: “The Lord is the refuge of the poor.” God never abandons those who suffer, and we are called to make his compassion visible.

At a time when millions face poverty hunger, homelessness, war, and displacement, the Pope asks us to recognize those too often overlooked. “The poor of our day are the forgotten and the marginalized,” he writes, “robbed not only of bread, but also of a voice and a face.”

His words resonate here in Hawaiʻi, where the beauty of our islands can conceal the hardships facing our neighbors: families struggling to pay rent, kūpuna choosing between groceries and medication, working parents living paycheck to paycheck, and people without a place to call home. For many, one unexpected illness, lost paycheck, or natural disaster can turn stability into uncertainty. Read more...

November 1, 2026

"The Lord is the refuge of the poor."
Psalm 14:6

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace be with you!

Sunday, November 15, 2026, is the 10th World Day of the Poor, whose theme this year is "The Lord is the refuge of the poor." In his message for this day, Pope Leo XIV says, "Christians are called not only to seek refuge in God, but also to become a refuge for others in God ... sharing as an expression of the Kingdom of God."

That same Sunday, our diocese parishes will hold the annual second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). Through this U.S. Bishops' national initiative, support for CCHD assists the participation of persons experiencing poverty in our country to address this complex challenge and build a better future for all. Twenty-five percent of the funds collected for CCHD in our diocese stay right here in Hawai'i. Your contributions have helped local survivors to recover after natural disasters, provided transitional housing and job training for women coming out of prison, and supported non-profit organizations helping low-income families build and own affordable housing.

I wholeheartedly encourage all to give generously to this year's CCHD collection. During November, as we prepare our Thanksgiving tables, let us make room in our hearts – and in our giving – for all working to "build the Kingdom." Let us all celebrate the holidays as "one 'ohana," sharing our blessings and the words Jesus taught us and called us to pray and to live; "Thy Kingdom Come---E Hiki Mai Kou Aupuni." Mahalo!

Devotedly in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael T.T. Castori, SJ
Bishop of Honolulu

See Bishop Castori's letter as a PDF HERE.

January 28–30, 2027
Sacred Hearts Academy, Honolulu

Registration is open! Register by Friday, November 13 for the $60 rate and join our diocesan ʻohana for this Bicentennial gathering.

The Hawaiʻi Catholic Schools Office and the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis are partnering to present a landmark event unlike any previously held in the Diocese of Honolulu.

As part of the Diocese of Honolulu's Bicentennial Celebration (1827–2027), this special three-day gathering will bring together Catholic educators, clergy, religious, parish staff, catechists, liturgical ministers, and lay leaders from across the Hawaiian Islands. Rooted in the Annual Conference for Catholic Educators (ACCE), the event will be expanded in this anniversary year to celebrate the many ways the Church forms disciples and proclaims the Gospel throughout Hawaiʻi.

Participate in a weekend of prayer, formation, fellowship, and celebration. More than 600 Catholic educators will gather alongside parish leaders, ministry volunteers, and the faithful to reflect on the Church's rich history, deepen their understanding of the faith, and prepare for the mission that lies ahead.

Learn more and register HERE.

Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Holy Trinity Church, Honolulu

All are invited to the Christ the King Mass with the Hawaii Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services. The HCCRS worship team will begin the afternoon with praise and worship and then will be followed by Mass with Fr. Victor Lanuevo.

Flyer available HERE.

Friday, December 11 - Sunday, December 13, 2026
Kilauea Military Camp, Kilauea, Big Island

Step away this Advent for prayer, renewal, and fellowship with parish leaders and volunteers as we prepare our hearts with Mary to welcome Christ anew led by Pat Kane.

Learn more and register at https://app.jotform.com/catholichawaii/oec.

Flyer available HERE.

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.

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.

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Mr. Chris Ignacio, the son of Deacon Larry and Carol Ignacio. He died suddenly on November 4, while working for HOPE Services Hawaii, the organization founded by his mother Carol. 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 | Word

Leo the Great
c. 400–461
Memorial - November 10

Leo was born in Tuscany, within the Western Roman Empire, at a time when the empire was experiencing decline due to ongoing threats of barbarian invasions, internal administrative disputes, and a difficult economic situation. Leo considered himself a Roman, since he spent his early years in the city. While still young, he was ordained a deacon in Rome under Pope Celestine and served him and his successor, Pope Sixtus III, in this capacity from 430–439. Deacons in Rome served the Church in important ways—as organizers of charitable works, liturgical services, and diplomatic missions; as administrators; and often as papal advisors. Deacon Leo quickly became highly respected in Rome as a man of unmatched theological learning and pastoral wisdom, prudence, and courage. Read more...

(Image credit: Francisco Herrera the Younger, 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.

An Act of Faith That Bridges Generations

Sharing Our Blessings with Those in Need

2nd Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Saint of the Week - All Souls' Day

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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