Hawaii Catholic Herald
The bigger the anniversary, the bigger the celebration.
This is the Diocese of Honolulu’s plan as it prepares to mark 200 years since the arrival of the Catholic faith in Hawaii.
The date is set: July 7, 2027, two centuries to the day when French Catholic missionaries first alighted in the islands, led by Sacred Hearts Father Alexis Bachelot.
The occasion is so momentous that preparation has already begun. A diocese-wide planning commission is in place, with team members considering a range of events not just on July 7, 2027, but in the weeks and months before then.
On the actual bicentennial anniversary, according to Deacon Keith Cabiles, who is on the main steering team, the diocese plans to hold a large-scale Mass at a venue such as the Blaisdell Arena, Waikiki Shell or the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Dignitaries from all over the world are expected to attend, and Pope Leo XIV has already been invited, Deacon Cabiles said.
The diocese plans to offer numerous activities and opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement in the year leading up to the bicentennial Mass. In addition to the primary steering team, led by Bishop Larry Silva, other teams have been formed to brainstorm and implement the events: liturgy, evangelization and catechesis, Catholic schools, island coordination, event support, and communications and marketing.
The teams will be responsible for engaging the faithful and the general public through:
- Liturgies, retreats and other ecumenical/interfaith opportunities
- Days of Study, lecture series and perhaps a multiday conference in the style of large-scale gatherings on the mainland
- Entertainment in the form of concerts, exhibits, theatrical performances and more
- Events and activities at Catholic schools
- Pilgrimages
- Initiatives that involve and respect every island in the state
The island coordination team, helmed by Father EJ Resinto, is one of the most important, Deacon Cabiles said.
“The anniversary belongs to the whole church in Hawaii,” he continued. It will be critical for this team to “inspire and oversee that all islands, not just Oahu, have a voice and equal part in the celebrations.”
Deacon Cabiles also emphasized that parishioners are more than welcome to help if they see a team to which they could contribute their strengths and talents.
More information will be made available as planning takes shape.