Tuesday within the Third Week of Easter (V18)
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(Davizro Photography / Shutterstock.com)

[St. John Vianney Church, Kailua (with Rite of Institution of Lector for Seminarian Deepak Bobbarala)]

As we celebrate the Rite of Institution of Lector today for our seminarian, Deepak Bobbarala, I recall a lector at one of the parishes where I was pastor. She went up to do the reading one day from the Prophet Isaiah, and this is what it sounded like: [extremely blandly] “The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue that I might speak to the weary a word that would rouse them.” [Snore!] I decided I needed to do something about this. I spent some time with her, coaching her to give a little more expression to the reading, but to no avail. I thought about asking her to do some other ministry and to no longer serve as a lector, but I decided not to do that. She was well known in the parish as a very humble and holy woman, and even though her reading skills were in need of much improvement, everyone knew that she knew and loved the Word of God and understood it not just as words on a page but as a person, the Word of God who became flesh for us. This loving encounter with Jesus in her life was something that everyone knew and admired, so she continued to proclaim the Word of God. Read more...

Bishop Larry Silva resides at St. Stephen Diocesan Center in Kaneohe, which houses a number of diocesan offices. (Celia K. Downes / Hawaii Catholic Herald)

By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald

One of Bishop Larry Silva’s greatest joys over his 50 years of priesthood has been tending to and being among his flock — the countless parishioners and communities he has led in California and Hawaii.

One of his greatest challenges, he says, has been growing that flock in a meaningful and enduring way.

Bishop Silva has guided the Diocese of Honolulu for nearly 20 years — an entire generation of isle faithful has grown up with him as the state’s shepherd.

But before that, he spent the first 30 years of his priesthood in California, serving in 10 churches in mostly low-income areas with high crime rates. Read more...

(Gerlach Photos / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“God of love, show us our place in this world, as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money so that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to You!”
~ Pope Francis, Laudato Si (Praise Be to God): On Care for Our Common Home, May 6, 2015

While the world still mourns the passing of beloved Pope Francis, we mark the 10th anniversary of his encyclical, Laudato Si's calling all to respond to the compelling “cry of the earth and cry of the poor.” In this groundbreaking papal letter,Pope Francis called for an “ecological conversion” defined as the “transformation of hearts and minds toward greater love of God, each other, and creation.” Just as his namesake St. Francis, Pope Francis believed that protecting God’s creation is integral to a Christian life. “The care of the ‘common home’ is a responsibility we take on towards our neighbor and at the same time a way to recognize the infinite beauty of God” Laudato Si awakens our conscience, to recognize how the exploitation of the earth is connected to the exploitation of the poor, and how our response to one is directly tied to the other. “Everything is connected. Concern for the environment, thus, needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.” Read more...

As Bishop Larry Silva nears retirement, he reflects on his almost 20 year tenure and talks story with three families who are parishioners at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.

"Talking Story with Bishop Larry Silva” is an interview with our beloved bishop sometime last year during the planning stage to close the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace for its final restoration. In this video, Bishop unravels significant historical facts and fond familial memories. It also portrays his deep love for the people of Hawai’i in moving forward to preserve the Mother Church of the Diocese of Honolulu for its families, visitors, and the future generations — to be continually fed through the Eucharist, be renewed, and going out into the world sharing the love and mercy of our God. With the Cathedral now completely closed, many of its parishioners ponder memories that brought them joy and growth.

View the video on YouTube HERE or by clicking on the image above.

Carmen (Silva) Kiyabu, Bishop Larry Silva’s cousin, will share a story in the book. She is pictured second from left with her daughter, Stacie Caires, left, Bishop Silva and Easter Almuena. (Courtesy photo)

Hawaii Catholic Herald

Be a part of a special gift for Bishop Larry Silva by submitting short stories of your memories of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace for a forthcoming book.

Your story (between 200-500 words, please) can be about events, sacraments received, spiritual journeys, familial or historical ties, sacred architecture, ministry involvement, services rendered or caring hands, among other topics.

Spiritual journeys may include the Eucharist, music, uplifting homilies, prayer services and devotions.

You may also send two to three sentences of thanks or congratulations to Bishop Silva for his 20 years of service in Hawaii.

The finished book will be dedicated to Bishop Silva. Proceeds will go to the renovation of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.

Send written contributions to Easter Almuena at Easter.Almuena@gmail.com or mail to Deacon Joe Almuena at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Bachelot Hall at Sacred Heart Church, Punahou

How would you like to learn about demonic oppression and possession and the Christian Church’s theology around it. Spiritual warfare is real. Why not learn how real non-Hollywood movie exorcisms happen?

Join us in taking the mask off the demonic with the help of Catholic exorcist Fr. John Szada. He will teach us about demonic oppression, obsession and possession, how to distinguish demonic intrusion from mental illness, and what we can do to protect ourselves and others. Fr. Szada will share real stories about real people and real exorcisms. The evening will include time for Q&A. This event is open to the public, tickets are limited.

Learn more and register at https://www.himonline.org/lits2025.

Flyer available HERE.

This event is presented by Hawaiian Islands Ministries in conjunction with the Diocese of Honolulu.

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Pearl City

Join the HCCRS Young Adults Prayer Gathering "The Lord, the Giver of Life" with speaker John Beaulieu and the HCCRS Worship Team.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Catholic Charities Hawaii, Honolulu

All are invited to join the 45 Annual Catholic Charismatic Regional Conference "The Harvest is Ready!" The day will feature guest speaker John Beaulieu, Catholic Lay Evangelist and creator of Romans 5:5 Ministry. Registration costs $25 (with lunch) or $15 (without lunch). For more information, please visit www.hccrs.org.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Honolulu

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 “ʻOhana 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 “ʻOhana Masses” and potluck fellowship normally take place on the fourth Saturday each month, 5:30 PM 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.

June 22–27, 2025
St. Stephen Diocesan Center, Kaneohe

Empower young people in your parish for leadership
The Christian Leadership Institute – Hawaii (CLI) is a week-long leadership development program for high school youth (grades 9–12) who show leadership potential. It equips young people with practical skills for Christian leadership and ministry, fostering personal and communal faith growth through workshops, prayer experiences, and reflection. CLI emphasizes peer collaboration and hands-on leadership opportunities. The 2025 session runs from June 22–27 at St. Stephen Diocesan Center, Oahu.

More details here: https://www.catholichawaii.org/oyyam/ym/cli-hi.

Flyer available HERE.

Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao from American Samoa will be in the islands from July 8-14, 2025 with the Samoan Community on Oahu for a seminar. All of the Samoan Communities in each parish are encouraged to be present for this event.

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 Damien of Moloka’i
1840–1889
Memorial - May 10

Jozef De Veuster was the youngest of seven children born into a poor farming family in central Belgium. Jozef went to school until the age of thirteen, at which time he had to assist his father on the family farm. A few years later, after his older brother entered religious life, Jozef’s father sent Jozef to college to prepare him to take over the family business. At school, during a mission, he heard God calling him to religious life. At the age of twenty, Jozef followed in his brother’s footsteps and entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Jozef later took the name Damien after a fourth-century saint who was a physician and martyr. His brother Auguste took the name Pamphile. Two of their sisters also entered religious life. Read more...

(William Brigham, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.) 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!

MAY

An Evening with An Exorcist, May 14

Priesthood Ordination of Preston-Jay Castro and Lawrence Denis III, May 16

Hawaii Catholic Charismatic Regional Conference, May 17

Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate of Taylor Mitchell, May 17

Annual Priests Retreat, May 19-23

Baccalaureate Mass for Damien Memorial School, May 24

Memorial Day Holiday, May 26

JUNE

King Kamehameha Day, Jun 11

Juneteenth Holiday, Jun 19

Christian Leadership Institute – Hawaii, Jun 22-27

NEWS

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

Hawaii Mourns and Honors Pope Francis

In Memory of Pope Francis

Saint of the Week - Peter Chanel

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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