Bishop Larry Silva addresses government leaders in the congregation before the final blessing. (HCH photos by Darlene Dela Cruz)
By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“The world needs many more men and women with understanding hearts,” said this year’s Red Mass speaker, quoting Pope Francis to a congregation of politicians and other civic leaders Jan. 19 in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in downtown Honolulu.
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, gave the homily at the diocese’s public prayer, convened annually to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit for Hawaii’s public servants.
The Red Mass is celebrated the day before the opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature.
Archbishop Auza greets Maryknoll Sister Isabel Rabbon, at left. In the far left photo, a hymn sung in Tagalog and English during the liturgy. (HCH photos by Darlene Dela Cruz)
“We ask for the Holy Spirit to illumine our minds with the light of truth and ignite our hearts with the warmth of love, so that we can lead with an understanding heart,” Archbishop Auza said in his homily.
“We ask him to assist us in building a society in which no one is left behind, in which might does not make right, money does not rule and power does not corrupt,” he said.
“Justice is hard work and requires hard workers who don’t quit,” the archbishop said, “who fight for what’s right and know to break the exercise of power when power becomes harmful to individuals and detrimental to society.”
Citing Pope Francis, Archbishop Auza added that “merely bringing justice to those in these inequitable or baleful circumstances is not enough for leaders with understanding hearts. Even in the most just society, something else is likewise needed: namely, mercy.”
Justice, purified by mercy, culminates in the fullness of love, he said. Love is the “foundation of true justice.”
The Mass opened with an oli, a Hawaiian prayer chant, by Ikaika Bantolina who led into the church a double line of 30 members of Hawaiian societies and orders. Formally attired in black or white, many with yellow and red velvet capes covering their shoulders, they are perennial Red Mass participants.
Bishop Silva was the chief celebrant, accompanied by 26 priests and nine deacons. Ten priests and ministers from other faith traditions were guests, joining the entrance and exit processions.
Just before the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Silva invited the civic leaders to stand for a blessing which he delivered as the ecumenical contingent joined him by extending their right arms.
In his closing comments, the bishop thanked the assembled public servants for the “very important work that you do in so many ways in the life of our community.”
About 50 federal, state and city officials attended the 9 a.m. Mass including U.S. Rep. Mark Takai; Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael D. Wilson; Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Bilton, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army, Pacific; and Jared Blumenfeld, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Region 9 (Pacific Southwest).
Also present were Speaker of the State House of Representatives Joseph Souki, Vice Speaker Rep. John Mizuno, State Rep. Gene Ward, State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, and Honolulu City Council Member Kymberly Marcos Pine, who read the first Scripture reading.
The Honolulu and Kauai mayors sent representatives.
Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel P. Neves, and Honolulu Chief of Police Louis M. Kealoha were also there with their deputy chiefs.
A number of Honolulu City and County offices and departments were also represented.
Rep. Takai, in Honolulu for the opening of the state legislature, said the Red Mass talk was a reminder that “the basis for everything is love.”
“It is good to remember that, as we look forward to a new year,” he said.
He said that for the years he was a member of the state legislature, he appreciated the “opportunity to receive the blessing” the Red Mass provided.
“I am home so rarely now, I am glad to be here,” he said.
State Rep. Ward, who said he attends the Red Mass every year, called it a “real blessing.”
“It is a good thing for leaders to do every year,” he said, to turn to the “church’s intercession.”
“Leaders need to be reminded that God is ultimately in charge,” Ward said.
Bishop Silva used the Mass as an opportunity to talk about his goal to restore the cathedral.
“We treasure this great historic gathering place,” he said just before the dismissal, noting that it was where St. Damien was ordained and St. Marianne worshiped. “We have a plan to renovate it” so that it will be around for “many more generations … as the mother church it was meant to be.”
He said the cathedral was a church for everyone, including the “poor who sometimes sleep on our benches.”
