
Pictured right, from left, Deacon Sandor Hernandez Morales and his wife Dr. Mealiinani Duarte-Hernandez, Bishop Silva, Gwenda Mapa and Deacon Charles Mapa, and Lisa Wood and Deacon George Wood. (Photos courtesy of Dann Ebina)

Bishop Silva laying hands on Deacon Wood.
Bishop Larry Silva ordained three Big Islanders, members of the Cohort Nine diocesan permanent deacon class, Jan. 30 at St. Michael Church in Kailua-Kona.
Raised to the diaconate at the mid-morning Mass were Sandor Hernandez Morales of St. Michael Parish, Charles W. Mapa of St. Theresa Parish, Mountain View, and George G. Wood of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Honokaa.

Deacon Hernandez Morales assisting the bishop at the altar,
The bishop earlier ordained in two Oahu ceremonies eight others in the class, seven from Oahu and one from Lanai. The cohort’s final two, from Kauai, will be ordained on that island on Feb. 19.

Deacon Mapa imparting his blessing at the post-Mass reception outside.
Photos courtesy of Dann Ebina