An episcopal heraldic achievement, commonly known as a bishop’s coat of arms, consists of three main elements: the shield with its heraldic charges (symbols), a motto displayed on a scroll, and the external ornamentation that signifies episcopal rank. At the heart of every heraldic achievement is the shield, which serves as its central and most […]
Featured story
Columns
Bishop Larry Silva: A momentous year ahead
Talk Story: Live the Gospel, share the Gospel
Hawaii Catholic Harold’s Quiz: July 17, 2026
Sister Mary Sixtilles Pillado, Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines: Abundant graces
Jenna Marie Cooper: Vow renewals are nice, but unnecessary
Msgr. Owen F. Campion: God offers life and reward, if we choose to follow him
More news

Signs and symbols: Bishop Castori’s crosier holds ‘layers of meaning’
By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald The insignia of a Roman Catholic bishop are the same throughout the world — they each have a miter (ceremonial cap or headdress), crosier (pastoral staff), pectoral cross and episcopal ring in addition to their signature amaranth-red zucchetto, or skullcap. For Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, of all those […]
The hierarchy
Here is a list of the visiting cardinals, archbishops and bishops who attended the solemn vespers and ordination and installation Mass for Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ. Others in attendance:
The liturgy: Becoming a bishop requires a carefully choreographed celebration
Hawaii Catholic Herald The outlines for the solemn vespers and ordination and installation Mass described below were laid out before publication of this issue, which occurred after the joyous events. Any discrepancies between what is printed and what actually took place are unintentional. A full recap of the Mass will appear in the Aug. 14 […]
Bishops of Hawaii
Bishops of Hawaii During its mission period (1827-1940), the Catholic Church in Hawaii had six bishops. Officially referred to as vicars apostolic, they all belonged to the France-based Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who sent the first Catholic missionaries to Hawaii in 1827. Since the establishment of the Diocese of Honolulu […]

History of Catholicism in Hawaii
Hawaii Catholic Herald The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious denomination in the state of Hawaii, claimed by approximately one-fifth of a population of 1.4 million people. It is a church that has grown from the roots of banishment, persecution and tragedy to produce examples of heroic sanctity in the persons of St. Damien […]

Robert M. Mondoy / 1952-2026: Beloved musician’s works, spirit are ‘a gift to the world’
Hawaii Catholic Herald Robert M. Mondoy was a prolific musician, composer, director and arranger of sacred music who brought an enthusiastic infusion of island culture into his life’s work. Whether he was pounding on a pipe organ, strumming an ukulele or singing with full voice in churches across the diocese, Mondoy’s liturgical music beautifully blended […]

Bishop Larry Silva: A lasting legacy
By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald It has never been difficult to spot Bishop Clarence “Larry” Silva across the Diocese of Honolulu — he is always on the move, whether he is celebrating Mass, attending a parish event, visiting with schoolchildren or simply meeting parishioners where they are. The Hawaii-born bishop’s tireless efforts to shepherd […]
Appreciation: Joining the heavenly chorus
By Patrick Downes Special to the Herald If you have attended a major liturgical celebration in Hawaii over the past four decades, you have sung Robert Mondoy’s music. Whether they were for solemn feast days, ordinations, funerals or special commemorations, the compositions and arrangements of the Molokai-born musician have permanently enriched island worship. For Rob, […]
Reflection: More than ‘the Maestro’
By Anthony Selvanathan Special to the Herald For as long as I can remember, I simply knew him as “the Maestro.” My first memory of Robert Mondoy dates back to 2005. I had just turned 12 years old and was serving as an altar server at my aunt and uncle’s wedding at the Cathedral Basilica […]
Traffic, livestream advisories for bishop installation events
Faithful are urged to watch the vespers service and ordination/installation Mass online at catholichawaii.org/livestream Hawaii Catholic Herald The episcopal ordination and installation of Jesuit Father Michael T.T. Castori as the sixth bishop of Honolulu will bring a great deal of joy and celebration when the liturgy takes place July 28 at the Co-Cathedral of St. […]

Diocese withdraws support for Benedictine Monastery of Hawaii
Hawaii Catholic Herald The Benedictine Monastery of Hawaii has always maintained a small population, beginning with six founding members when it was first established here in September 1983. Other religious members and lay associates came and went over the years, but the permanent occupancy never deviated from the original two priests and four sisters who […]

Formation workshops gain fans from across diocese
By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald Catholics from across the state recently had the opportunity to learn more about their faith and how they can share it with others thanks to a new program that harkens back to a popular catechetical initiative from decades ago. The new program, the Diocesan Formation Institute, comprised six days […]
Hawaii Catholic Herald digital edition
Our "e-edition" can be read HERE.

