Good Shepherd Mission Church in Honomu, north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island, will celebrate its 100th anniversary, March 9, with Mass at 10 a.m. celebrated by Bishop Larry Silva and a luncheon afterward at Honomu Hongwanji.
A mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Papaikou, Good Shepherd was an important part of the coast’s sugar plantation community and is the oldest of the district’s Catholic churches. The first Good Shepherd Mission was built in 1888 by Sacred Hearts Father Bonaventure Loots. The church burned down some 30 years later but was immediately rebuilt in 1919 by Sacred Hearts Father Gabriel Feron and was blessed on March 9, 1919.
Good Shepherd Mission has long been one of the pillars of the Hamakua Coast. It has meant so much to many people over the past 100 years. The church will commemorate this special anniversary by celebrating past, current, and future parishioners.
RSVP cards have been mailed out to current and past parishioners of the parish. Those who have received a card are asked to respond by Feb. 15 so the parish can print tickets for the luncheon. If you have not received an RSVP card and would like to attend, call the parish office at 964-1240 to reserve a ticket. Due to limited seating, luncheon tickets will be available to the first 150 people who respond by Feb. 15.
The church is at 28-1640 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Honomu.