Congratulations, Bishop Silva!

On the occasion of Bishop Larry Silva’s 50th anniversary of priestly ordination May 2, the Hawaii Catholic Herald reached out to priests in the Diocese of Honolulu, active and retired, to ask if they wanted to extend their congratulations.

Many did so on behalf of their parish, school and/or other communities; several sent in their own well-wishes.

The Herald and the faithful in Hawaii also offer a heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Silva on his 50th jubilee. May the Lord bless you with many more wonderful years of ministry and leadership.

• Congratulations, Bishop Larry: The parish community of St. Augustine Church by the Sea sends their special greeting of ALOHA as you celebrate your anniversary. Mahalo nui loa for your years of dedicated service to our island and local churches. We have all felt the effect of your ministry and service. May AKUA continue to bless you and guide you in all things. Me ke aloha pumehana. — Father Lane Akiona, Father Clyde Guerreiro, staff and parishioners (Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Stewardship Council, Aunty Carmen’s Kitchen staff and volunteers)
• Most Reverend Bishop Larry Silva, congratulations on the joyous occasion of your Golden Jubilee in your ordination to the priesthood! We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your many years of humble service to the Church and your unwavering commitment to God and the people of Hawaii. Your leadership has touched countless hearts and inspired many lives through your spiritual guidance and the teachings of Scripture. Thank you for helping us grow in our relationship with God and for encouraging us to live faithful lives. — Warmest wishes from the St. Patrick Church and School community, Father Lusius Nimu, SSCC
• We, the priests and parishioners of Our Lady of the Mount Church in Kalihi Valley, Honolulu, convey our best wishes to our chief shepherd, Most Reverend Bishop Larry Silva, on his 50th sacerdotal ordination anniversary. We humbly offer our prayers for God’s continued blessings of health, wisdom and contented years upon him as faithful priest of the Lord Jesus Christ forever. Ad multos annos! — Father Edgar Brillantes, pastor, Our Lady of the Mount Church
• The administrative staff, officers, members and spiritual directors of the councils and units of the Diocesan Congress of Filipino Catholic Clubs (DCFCC) in Hawaii wish to extend our heartfelt joy and love for our beloved shepherd of the diocese, Bishop Larry Silva, on the Golden Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. We deeply appreciate and thank him for his devoted services to his flock and pray for the Lord’s continued blessing upon him and his ministry. Congratulations! — Father Edgar Brillantes, spiritual director, DCFCC
• Most Reverend Bishop Larry, congratulations on the 50th anniversary of your priestly ordination. These years of priestly service have been a source of inspiration for the priests and religious, especially those working in the Diocese of Honolulu. May you have many more years to enjoy the love of God and your ministry. We wish you good health and abundance of God’s grace in the years ahead. God bless you! — Father Octavius Moo, staff and parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Wahiawa
• The Parish of St. Raphael in Koloa, Kauai, would like to express our best wishes and blessings to our beloved Bishop Larry as he celebrates his 50th sacerdotal anniversary. Thank you for your dedication and the gift of oneself as you continue to shepherd us. — Father Ronaldo Guzman and the parishioners of St. Raphael, Koloa
• Dear Bishop Silva, this year we honor you for 50 years of faithful service! You have dedicated your life to Christ and have devotedly followed your calling. We rejoice with you on this momentous occasion! In celebration of your 50th Jubilee in the Jubilee Year of Hope, may God reward you and bless you abundantly for your caring and compassionate service. This is our prayer for you every day and especially on your Golden Jubilee. Congratulations! — With warmest regards and aloha on behalf of the faithful of St. John Vianney Parish and School in Kailua, Father Vincent Vu, pastor
• Your Excellency, Bishop Larry Silva,‌ on your ‌50th Jubilee of priestly ordination‌, we extend heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude for your lifelong service to God’s people. Your unwavering faith, compassionate leadership, and dedication to the Gospel have profoundly blessed the Church and inspired countless souls‌. May God continue to strengthen you as you shepherd his flock with wisdom and grace. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Phil 1:6)‌. With profound respect and prayers, we wish you a jubilee filled with grace and the warmth of Christ’s abiding love. ‌Ad multos annos!‌ — In Christ’s Joy, parishioners of St. Philomena with Father Paul Li
• Congratulations, Bishop Larry, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of your priestly ordination! We join with you in celebrating 50 golden years of witnessing to Jesus! We are so blessed and grateful to have you as our shepherd! — From Father Sieg Dosdos and your Immaculate Conception, Ewa Parish ohana
• Dear Bishop Larry, with hearts full of gratitude, we joyfully celebrate your 50th Jubilee of priestly ordination. Your unwavering faith, humble service and shepherd’s heart have been a true blessing to the Diocese of Honolulu. Your example of dedication inspires us and strengthens our commitment to serve God’s people. May the Lord continue to bless you with good health, wisdom and grace as you guide his flock. — With our prayers and aloha, Father Efren Tomas, MS, pastor, and Father Anil Kochuthazhath, MS, associate pastor, Christ the King Parish, Kahului, Maui
• Thank you for your faithful service to the church. Your unwavering faith and dedication inspire us all. Happy 50th ordination anniversary, Bishop Larry! — Father Adondee Arellano, MS, and the parishioners of St. Stephen Church, Nuuanu
• Dear Bishop Larry Silva, with hearts full of gratitude and joy, the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community warmly congratulates you on your 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. Your faithful shepherding, humility and love have touched countless souls and inspired deeper devotion to Christ. Thank you for reflecting the heart of the Good Shepherd through your tireless service and unwavering witness to the Gospel. We rejoice with you in this sacred milestone and pray that Our Lord continues to bless your ministry abundantly. May Our Lady of La Vang and the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs intercede for you always. — With love and prayers, Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community
• I thank God and I appreciate you for being a good witness to Jesus. I do believe that being a pastor of the diocese is a great challenge, but you have been a Good Shepherd after the heart of Jesus. Congratulations and God bless! — Father Jun Bobier, St. Mary Church, Hana, Maui
• Bishop Silva, congratulations on the 50th anniversary of your ordination. May God be with you on this momentous and joyful occasion. Your leadership and selfless dedication in serving God have been inspiring. We especially thank you for your continued compassion and support of Maria Lanakila Parish since the wildfires. We pray that God continues to bless you and be with you always. Congratulations! — Father Kuriakose Nadooparambil, MF, Sacred Hearts Mission Church, Lahaina, Maui
• Congratulations, Bishop Larry, on the 50th anniversary of your ordination! Over the years, you have consistently experienced the grace of God. Your dedication to the calling you received has been unwavering. As you mark this milestone of 50 years, may the Lord continue to guide you and bless you with many more years of fruitful service. You are our great shepherd and father. We wish you abundant blessings and happiness forever! — Father Sebastian K. Soosai, Father Clement Beeri and the parishioners of St. Elizabeth Parish
• St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish congratulates Bishop Larry on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. We (St. Catherine Church, St. Sylvester Church and St. William Church) have always experienced Bishop Larry as a shepherd after the example of Christ himself. His wisdom, commitment and dedicated service have influenced us in a very positive manner. His understanding, patience and appreciation of the people entrusted to his care is very admirable. Bishop, we assure you of our prayers! May the Lord continue to be your source of strength, comfort and joy! — Father Nicholas K. Apetorgbor, parochial administrator, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish
• Chaminade University is honored to extend heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Larry Silva on the occasion of his 50th Jubilee of priestly ordination. Bishop Silva, thank you for your years of dedicated and generous service, which serve as a reminder to our students—and to the entire community—of the importance of giving of ourselves to help others so we may all enjoy life’s many blessings. In celebrating this significant milestone with you, we also send our wishes that your guidance, leadership and powerful message of hope continue to offer a beacon around which we all may congregate.
• Dear Bishop, congratulations on your 50 years a priest and your 20 years as our bishop. Your leadership and presence have been a great blessing of stability to us all, especially my generation, who can barely remember a time when you were not our bishop. I can still remember how you could remember my name even when I was just an altar server in middle school. How quickly the time has gone by. May God continue to bless you always. — Father Dario Rinaldi, Holy Family Parish, Honolulu
• St. Damien of Molokai Parish gratefully thanks our Lord for the gift of Bishop Larry Silva in our diocese, for his many years of service as a priest. He is a real blessing to all, and we have to say that the diocese here has been blessed over the years to have him as our bishop. Bishop Larry, may God grant you many more years of health, and the energy to continue on what we can say has been a wonderful journey in following the path of our Lord. Mahalo Lord! — Father Patrick Fanning
• Your Excellency, on this momentous occasion of your Golden Jubilee, we, St. Anthony-Kailua ohana of faith, extend our warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude. Your 50 years of faithful priestly service have been a shining witness to the love of Christ and the enduring power of vocation. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the Lord and for shepherding His Church with wisdom, compassion, and grace. Your ministry has been a beacon of light, hope and inspiration to us all. May God continue to bless you abundantly with good health, strength, joy, and peace in the years to come. — With aloha and prayers, Father Tony Pangan and the faithful of Kailua
• Dear Bishop Larry Silva, Congratulations on your Golden Jubilee of priestly ordination. You have been a great shepherd guiding us, the clergy and faithful, to a holy way of life. Your compassion and love for Jesus and your brother priests are inspirational and empowering. We are blessed to be under your guidance and service. God bless you with Good health, peace, joy and lots of laughter. May our Lady of Queen of Peace intercede and Jesus bless you with many more years to serve. God bless. — Father Santhosh Thottankara, Our Lady of Good Counsel
• Congratulations, Most Rev. Bishop Larry Silva, on your 50th priestly ordination anniversary from St. Theresa Parish, Kauai! We can only imagine the spiritual experiences you have gathered in your 50 years of being a shepherd of God. The people you have touched and the blessings you have given in all of the sacraments that you’ve administered to hundreds, if not thousands of people over the years. We thank you, Bishop Larry, for the countless blessings we have received from you here on Kauai at St. Theresa Parish (St. Theresa Church, Kekaha, and Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, Waimea). We ask God to continue to bless and guide you, and to keep you in good health and spirits as your journey continues. Please know that we pray for you always! God bless! — Father Edwin D. Conselva, MS, pastor, Deacon Ron Jones and parishioners of St. Theresa Parish, Kauai
• Our Excellency Bishop Larry Silva, we can’t thank you enough for being our shepherd. St. Michael Parish, with the Mission of Sts. Peter and Paul, wish you a very happy 50th sacerdotal anniversary that is filled with as much love as you have shared over the past years. May the grace, peace and blessings of God be with you. May he continue to nurture you physically and spiritually. — Father Romple Emwalu, pastor of St. Michael Parish with the Mission of Sts. Peter and Paul
• On behalf of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace ohana, I would like to express our deep gratitude for Bishop Larry Silva’s leadership and servanthood. With his words of “Witness to Jesus,” Bishop Larry exemplifies love and devotion to his priests and the faithful of the Diocese of Honolulu. On his 50th Jubilee as a priest, we continue to pray for him and extend our love and support for the good of this local community, which he continues to shepherd. Congratulations, Bishop! — Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace community
• Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! We offer our deepest gratitude for your tireless service and unwavering faith, as well as for your dedication and leadership. May God continue to bless you and your ministry with joy and fulfillment. — From the Office of Vicar for Clergy, Father Greg Honorio and Darlene Cachola
• Happy 50th sacerdotal anniversary, Most Reverend Bishop Larry Silva. May the good Lord continue to bless you with good health so that you may be able to serve the people of God. — Greetings from Father Danny Galang, MS, Deacon Averiet Soto and the parishioners of Holy Cross Parish
• Dear Bishop Larry, on behalf of St. Anthony-Kalihi, I extend my heartfelt congratulation on your remarkable 50 years of ordination to the priesthood. Your unwavering faith, dedication and leadership have profoundly impacted our lives and the life of our local church. Thank you for your tireless service and the countless ways you have inspired us. We celebrate this milestone with joy and gratitude. May the Lord grant you the good health as you continue to guide and shepherd us. — With warmest blessings, Father Arlan Intal, MS, pastor of St. Anthony Church, Kalihi
• Dear Bishop Larry, please accept my sincere congratulations on this your 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. It has been a blessing to have known you since the fall of 1973. This journey of 52 years has been quite a journey. Thank you for your friendship and support over all of these years. It has been a privilege to serve with you in the ministry and to have you as the fifth bishop our wonderful Diocese of Honolulu. Thank you for all that you have done for our local church. May the Good Shepherd continue to embrace you in his peace, love and joy. Mahalo Nui Loa! — Peace, Msgr. Terry Watanabe, St. Anthony Parish, Wailuku, Maui
• Dear Bishop Larry, on behalf of the parish clergy and community at St. Joseph Church in Waipahu, I extend our heartfelt congratulations on your 50th Golden Jubilee of your priestly ordination! Your episcopal motto, “Witness to Jesus,” continues to inspire and guide us as we strive to live out our faith. We ask for your continued prayers, trusting that the seeds you’ve joyfully sown will flourish in our care. We love you dearly, and we keep you in our prayers. — In Christ’s service, Father Eric Castro, MS, and St. Joseph Church, Waipahu
• Your Excellency, Bishop Larry Silva, we extend our warmest congratulations on the 50th anniversary of your priestly ordination. We are deeply grateful for your dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our diocese, as you have walked the path of a shepherd with the Holy Spirit of the Lord. On this blessed occasion, our Korean Catholic Community unites in prayer, asking that God continue to bestow His abundant grace upon you and bless you with strength, wisdom, and good health-both in body and spirit. — With our deepest gratitude and prayers, Father Ji-hun Kwon, Korean Catholic Community in Hawaii
• Your Excellency, Bishop Larry, with heartfelt joy and gratitude to God, we celebrate with you on the occasion of your 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. This golden milestone is a testament to your unwavering dedication, faithful service, and deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist and his church. For five decades, you have been a shepherd after the heart of Christ, guiding the flock entrusted to your care with wisdom, compassion and tireless devotion. Your ministry has been a source of inspiration and blessing to so many people, reflecting God’s mercy and love in a world that longs for his presence. May the Lord continue to strengthen and bless you abundantly. May our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lourdes, always keep you in her maternal care. Ad multos annos! — Father Junvic Diolata, SSS, pastor, and parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes, Honokaa, Hawaii
• Most Reverend Bishop Larry Silva, on behalf of our parishioners, staff and volunteers, congratulations on your 50 years of priestly ordination! May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace and may the Holy Spirit continue to pour out blessings upon you. Mahalo for your service. — With love and aloha, Father William J. Kunisch II, pastor, St. Theresa Catholic Church, Kihei, Maui
• On behalf of St. Jude Church, congratulations, Bishop Larry, on 50 years as a priest of Jesus Christ and 20 years as our bishop of Honolulu. Thank you for being our loving shepherd and for your gentle stewardship. May God increase in perfection the good work he has begun in you, reward you for your many labors, and bless you all the days of your life. Ad multos annos! —Father Rheo Ofalsa, pastor, St. Jude Church, Kapolei
• Dear Bishop Larry, congratulations on your 50th Jubilee of your priestly ordination. It was a blessing to know you. You model the Good Shepherd who is caring, loving and humble. You are one of the down to earth bishops that I have known in my lifetime. May God continue to bless you with his grace and good health. — Father John Gabriel, U.S. Army chaplain, Vicenza, Italy
• Bishop Larry, thank you sincerely for your pastoral care directed to me personally and to the entire diocese. ‘Aloha ke Akua+’ ‘Ad Multos Annos!’ — Father Arnold Ortiz
• Dear Bishop Silva, sending you my heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee of ordination on May 2. I have very much appreciated your support, kindness and fine pastoral touch during my years before and after arriving here in the Diocese of Honolulu. I have been particularly impressed with the evident affection you have for the priests of the diocese as well as their affection for you. I’ve seen it at every convocation I’ve attended since 2019. As the guests learned at the wedding feast of Cana, the best is yet to come! Wishing you God’s abundance blessings. — Father Martin Solma, SM, Marianists, Chaminade University of Honolulu
• Congratulations, Bishop, for your 50 years of priestly service to the church and thank you for your leadership as a Good Shepherd to our diocese. May God bless you and remembering you in my prayers. — Father Gus Uthuppu, MS, pastor, Immaculate Conception Church, Lihue, Kauai
• Bishop Larry, congratulations on your remarkable 50th priestly ordination anniversary! This milestone is a testament to your unwavering dedication, compassionate service and profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities. Your leadership and commitment to the church have inspired many, especially me, guiding us through challenges with grace and wisdom. As you celebrate this special day, may you reflect on the joy and love you have shared throughout your ministry. We are grateful for your inspiring example of faith, compassion, and stewardship. May God continue to bless you abundantly in the years to come! — Father Jaroslaw Z. Skrzypek, JCL, St. John the Baptist Church, Kalihi
• “A great leader leads by example.” Your Witness to Jesus, Bishop, has helped the rest of us do the same! Gratitude for the past and blessings for many years to come! — Father Herman Gomes