Bishop Larry Silva will travel with nine other Island pilgrims to Philadelphia Sept. 21-28 for the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ public Mass.
The small pilgrimage group from Hawaii includes two priests from Oahu, three diocesan staffers, and parishioners from Maui, the Big Island and Honolulu. Faith Journeys, an Arizona-based company, coordinated this special travel package for the diocese.
Hawaii reporter and photographer Darlene Dela Cruz will be reporting and blogging on the trip.
Kristina DeNeve, diocesan adult faith formation coordinator, will be the pilgrimage host. She said she is excited to attend the “learning sessions” at the weeklong World Meeting of Families, which will feature talks by cardinals, archbishops and experts on family issues.
“The truth is that we are called to live in the world and transform it by being in the midst of all that is glorious and messy about family life,” DeNeve said.
“I am really looking forward to that moment when we all land in Philadelphia,” she added. “Our pilgrimage will have begun, and yet so much will lay ahead for us for the week.
“And, of course, I look forward to our small group joining the other hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who participate with our bishop and the Holy Father for the Sunday celebration of the Mass.”
DeNeve noted that several other Islanders will also be headed to the World Meeting of Families and papal activities, but did not sign up with the diocesan pilgrimage group.