Final year?

Bishop Larry Silva has been Bishop of Honolulu for 18 years, the second longest term of any Hawaii diocesan bishop after Bishop James J. Sweeney, who served 26 years. He turns 74 on Aug. 6, which means he has one more year before he is required at age 75 to submit his request for retirement to the pope. But the pope does not always accept a bishop’s resignation immediately. So Bishop Silva may have more than one year left. Nevertheless, the day will eventually come, and the bishop has already given it some thought. He shares those thoughts with Hawaii Catholic Herald readers.

The church requires diocesan bishops to submit for retirement at age 75, although it is not unusual for the pope not to immediately accept a bishop’s resignation. You turn 74 on Aug. 6, which means you may be entering your final year as Bishop of Honolulu. How does that work?

Bishop Silva: Yes, a bishop is required to submit his letter of resignation to the Holy Father upon turning 75. Sometimes he will accept it right away. If he does, he may immediately appoint a successor; or the “see” (diocese) could be “vacant,” in which case either the diocesan College of Consultors elects a priest to be the interim diocesan administrator, or in some cases, the pope himself appoints another bishop to be temporary apostolic administrator. However, the pope may not accept the retirement immediately, and will have the bishop stay on for a year or two beyond 75. So whether this is my final year, I am not sure.

Your episcopacy has been an active one. You have had a few health issues but, generally speaking, maintain a very busy schedule. Do you feel ready to retire?

Bishop Silva: There is one project I really want to finish before I retire: the renovation of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. It is my hope to preside over its rededication before I retire, but we have much work to do — and much money to raise to do it! It is such a beautiful and historic Cathedral. Aside from that, I think I am ready to retire. I am beginning to feel the effects of age, and I am weary of so many administrative details. Besides, I think any diocese or parish can always benefit from “new blood” who can bring a fresh perspective on the ministry.

You have been bishop for 18 years. What in those years has brought you the most joy?

Bishop Silva: I have really enjoyed visiting the parishes, getting to know the people of our islands, and especially working with the priests and deacons. Our seminarians have also brought me much joy. Being able to share the love of Jesus with all in the diocese has been a great blessing.

What was the biggest surprise you had after becoming bishop?

Bishop Silva: One surprise was how much I enjoy working with young people. I thought the older I grew, the less I would be able to relate to them, but I have been surprised that the opposite is true. I am very inspired by many of our youth and young adults!

Have you had any disappointments or regrets? Is there anything you wish you had done while you were bishop?

Bishop Silva: I wish I could have been better in teaching people how to evangelize — to share the Gospel with those who have not yet heard it. Of course, a great regret and burden for any bishop these days is dealing with the sin of clergy sexual abuse: listening to victims, praying for their healing, and trying to prevent any such thing from happening again.

Is there anything you especially want to do during your final year as bishop?

Bishop Silva: Certainly to finish the cathedral renovations, and to also make at least a dent in teaching how to evangelize.

Where will you retire?

Bishop Silva: I will retire in Hawaii. It is now my home. I would like to offer help to the new bishop for such things as Confirmations, while trying to stay in the background.

Are you looking forward to retirement? Is there anything you want to do once you are retired?

Bishop Silva: I am beginning to look forward to retirement. Perhaps I will then be more available for retreats or spiritual direction.

When will you know if the pope accepts your resignation?

Bishop Silva: When the Apostolic Nuncio (the pope’s official representative in each country) informs me that the Holy Father has accepted my resignation.