By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“The Diocese of Honolulu is a local church that is very much alive in its ministry, its spirituality and its outreach to those in need,” reads the summary of the “Quinquennial Report,” the official accounting of the state of the Catholic Church in Hawaii sent to the Vatican in advance of Bishop Larry Silva’s ad limina visit to Rome.
“Our parishes and agencies are exemplary in caring for the most needy,” the report continues. “It is a culturally and economically diverse church, but for the most part people relate amazingly well to one another. Hawaii is a deeply spiritual place, not only because of its abundant natural beauty, but because of its people, whether they be Christian, Buddhist or Native Hawaiian in their religious practices.”
Quinquennial means “five years,” what used to be the time between ad limina visits. But, ever since St. John Paul II, these official trips by bishops to Rome have been seven to eight years apart. The Diocese of Honolulu’s report is dated 2011 to 2018.
This is Bishop Silva’s second ad limina; his first was in 2012. The quinquennial report for that visit covered 2006 (the year after Bishop Silva was appointed bishop) to 2010.
This year’s quinquennial is a 123-page document with 23 sections. The report answers prescribed questions about the administration of the diocese, the bishop’s work, diocesan ministries, Catholic education, the clergy, ecumenism, religious orders, communications, sacramental life, laity, health care, social ministry, care of immigrants, finances and more.
The report’s summary portrays Hawaii’s “great increase of homeless people” as a challenge met by the generosity of parishioners.
It also describes a corps of priests “greatly” dependent on clergy from the Philippines and other countries to fill parish assignments.
“The clergy are very dedicated, and we are trying to build a stronger cadre of our own priests,” the report states.
The report also describes a laity “engaged in their mission, in family life, work, and in the parishes and schools.”
“Much work needs to be done on strengthening marriage and family,” the quinquennial states, “but we seem to be moving in the right direction to address the challenges.”
The report lists the number of Catholics in Hawaii in 2018 as 149,897, as compared to 220,347 in 2011, a drop of more than 70,000. However, assessing the Catholic population — inactive and active combined — is an inexact science at best, depending largely on parish estimates. The occasional statewide survey usually lists the number of self-identified Catholics higher, at about one-fifth of the total population, comparable to the mainland. Hawaii’s total population is more than 1.4 million.
“Almost 60% of the Catholic population is of Filipino descent,” the reports states.
“Catholics tend to be from the lower end of the socio-economic scale since so many are immigrants from the less prosperous areas of the world,” the report says. “It is not uncommon that a family depends on two or three incomes. Many young people leave Hawaii for more affordable places to live. … This economic situation also affects the church’s ability to support its mission.”
The report describes Hawaii as a culturally tolerant place pointing to a subjective individualistic morality, early to legalize abortion, same-sex marriage and physician assisted suicide. “In spite of all this, there are still many faith-filled Catholics who live our values every day,” the report states.
Hawaii’s two saints, St. Damien de Veuster and St. Marianne Cope, are prominently mentioned throughout the report as inspirations to Catholics and the community-at-large and as compelling examples to follow in serving the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged.
The report also mentions the diocese encumbered by the effects of the ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandal. “With the lifting of the statute of limitations twice, we have had over 100 lawsuits,” it states.
Most of the lawsuits have been successfully and compassionately settled, the report says, “though now we need to recover from our insurance company, so that the financial strains to the diocese, which are significant, may be alleviated.”
The report also includes a copy of the diocesan general pastoral plan, “Stewards of the Gospel,” whose main goals are evangelization, strengthening marriage and family life, and respect for life in all its stages.
In his quinquennial report cover letter, addressed to Pope Francis and the Roman Curia, Bishop Silva explained the meaning of his episcopal motto, “Witness to Jesus.” It is to emphasize that “there is nothing more important than … giving witness to Jesus, a real and living person, Son of God and Son of Man, in every aspect of our lives.”
“Our Diocese of Honolulu is a local church that is very much alive with this witness,” he wrote, “in their homes, schools, places of work, parishes and in the civic community.”
Bishop Silva concluded his letter to Pope Francis on a thankful note: “We are grateful for all you do for the church, Holy Father, and for the inspiration you give to us all. Be assured of our prayers for you and all your collaborators as you, too, continue to give witness to Jesus!”
