The following is a statement by the Diocese of Honolulu regarding the departure of the Marianist Fathers and Brothers from St. Anthony Parish and School, Wailuku
The weekend of January 16/17, Marianist officials announced at St. Anthony Parish, Wailuku, Maui that the Marianist Priests and Brothers will be bidding farewell to the island of Maui on June 30, 2021. Fr. Tim Kenney, S.M. made the announcement on hehalf of the U.S. Provincial, Fr. Oscar Vasquez, S.M. After much discussion within the Marianists’ Provincial Council and with Bishop Larry Silva, it was decided that the Marianist personnel resources have become sufficiently thin that they can no longer staff St. Anthony Parish, Wailuku after June 30, 2021.
The Marianists have served at St. Anthony School for 138 years, and they have staffed the parish for 45 years. The pastoral care of the parish and school will be turned over to the Diocese of Honolulu on July 1, 2021. The new pastor will be announced soon.
We are most grateful to the Marianists for their faithful and loving service at St. Anthony Church and School and for their ministry and presence on the island of Maui. Many lives have been touched by the service and witness of the Brothers and Fathers over many generations, and we are certain their presence will continue to bear good fruit for generations to come.
The following are the Marianist pastors who have served St. Anthony Church: Fr. James Orsini (now a diocesan priest); Fr. Jack Reilly, S.M.; Fr. William O’Connell, S.M.; Fr. Charles Oyabu, S.M.; Fr. Raymond Malley, S.M.; and the current pastor, Fr. Roland Bunda, S.M., who has served for 14 years.
Bishop Silva will be celebrating the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony Church, Wailuku, on Sunday, June 13, 2021, the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua. At that time, he will formally thank the Marianists for their faithful service in Maui for 138 years. He will also celebrate the Marianists’ 45 years in the parish, the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the current church, and the 175th anniversary of the founding of St. Anthony School.
The Marianists maintain their presence at Chaminade University of Honolulu and St. Louis School. We are most grateful for their continuing service.