Bishop Larry Silva underwent knee surgery Feb. 18 and is expected to be back celebrating Mass in public as early as Ash Wednesday, according to his assistant.
Denise Oliveira of the bishop’s office said Bishop Silva has been “recovering well” after the five-hour total right knee replacement procedure done at Queen’s Hospital. The bishop was discharged from the medical center Feb. 20, and has been recuperating at the nearby diocesan chancery building. He is scheduled to return to his residence at St. Stephen Diocesan Center in Kaneohe in a few weeks.
“He is definitely in good spirits,” Oliveira said.
In the bishop’s absence, diocesan vicar general Father Gary Secor and vicar for clergy Father Manny Hewe have been handling his schedule of meetings, events and liturgies. Bishop Silva aims to resume regular public ministry at the start of Lent — he is scheduled to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass, March 5 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace.
Depending on his condition afterward, the bishop is also tentatively slated to preside at the March 9 Rite of Elect ceremony on Oahu.
Oliveira said Bishop Silva extends his thanks to parishioners and friends for their assistance, prayers and well-wishes during his recovery.