NEWS FROM PAGES PAST
50 years ago — March 7, 1969
Layman distributes communion
William C. Blesch, a layman, distributes Holy Communion at Polk State School and Hospital, near Erie, Pa., under terms of permission granted by the Congregation of the Sacraments, thought to be unique, at least in the United States. The chaplain at the institution had requested the help of a layman since it was impossible to obtain the help of another priest. (NC Photos)
Editor’s Note: Nationwide permission for laypersons to act as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist — when there are not enough priests or deacons or in ministry to the sick and homebound — was first granted in the U.S. in 1971 and worldwide in 1973.
25 years ago — March 11, 1994
The diocese, in between permanent bishops, continues work as usual
The Diocese of Honolulu may not yet have a new permanent bishop but it’s not sitting on its hands. If anything, the man temporarily assigned behind the bishop’s desk may have turned up the action a bit.
Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, apostolic administrator since Bishop Joseph A. Ferrario retired last October, keeps busy with back-to-back appointments, budget meetings, and parish visits, all the while trying to soak up some of the island history, environment and culture.
Much of the activity is normal diocesan bustle intensified by an apostolic administrator having to lead a church he is still getting to know. …
Still, there have been a few developments. The most noticeable are the appointment of Monsignor Terrence Watanabe as the moderator of the curia, and the diocese’s entering the public debate on “same-sex marriages.”
10 years ago — Feb. 20, 2009
Announcement comes to Kalaupapa
The day after Damien’s canonization date was announced and a Mass celebrated on Oahu, a group of pilgrims flew into Kalaupapa, Feb. 22, for another thanksgiving celebration.
The regularly scheduled 9 a.m. Mass at St. Francis Church was busier than usual. In addition to eight Kalaupapa residents and other regular attendees, the 16 who braved the Molokai channel on two chartered planes from Honolulu included Audrey Toguchi, the woman whose cancer cure became the Vatican-approved miracle leading to Damien’s canonization.