By Anthony Selvanathan
Special to the Herald
Something sacred is stirring in the life of the church today — a quiet but unmistakable renaissance of faith. Across our islands, pews once half-empty are filling again with song, with prayer and with the sound of children’s laughter echoing in our churches.
The Holy Spirit is breathing anew over our islands, awakening hearts, renewing hope and kindling in us a deeper love for Christ and his church.
Part of this renewal began with the election of Pope Leo XIV — the first American pope in history. His warmth, humility and deeply human faith have touched millions across the globe.
When his election was announced, one of the most-searched phrases on Google was “How to become Catholic.” That alone tells a story. In a world weary from noise, division and fear, people are searching again for the peace that only God can provide.
Here in Hawaii, that search has led many back home to the church. For example, OCIA classes in parishes across the islands appear larger than they’ve been in years.
Young adults, families and even those who drifted away long ago are rediscovering the beauty of faith. Some return hesitantly; others come with tears of joy. Yet in every story, there is a common thread — a yearning for hope, for belonging, for grace.
During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are reminded that the church’s doors, and her heart, are always open. To those who have been away for a while, I say from the depths of my heart: Welcome home. We’re happy to have you.
May we, the parishioners and cradle Catholics, be living signs of hope and hospitality. Let our churches be places of aloha — that sacred love which finds its truest and most perfect form in Christ himself. To share aloha is to share Christ’s love, the love that welcomes, heals and restores.
I am especially grateful for the many young priests in our diocese — such as Father Preston Castro, Father Larry Denis III, Father Anthony Tran, Father Francis Hai Pham and Father Kurt Meyer, all ordained in just the past couple years, as well as dynamic pastors Father Ese’ese “Ace” Tui and Father Dario Rinaldi — who are shepherding this generation with joy, humility and authenticity. Their ministry speaks powerfully to millennials and Gen Z Catholics who long to see a faith that is alive, real and compassionate.
And we must also honor those who are “young at heart,” like Bishop Larry Silva, Msgr. Gary Secor, Msgr. Terry Watanabe, Marianist Father Marty Solma and Sacred Hearts Father Lane Akiona, along with so many others whose pastoral care and wisdom continue to bring people home to the church. Truly, every priest in our diocese — from those newly ordained to those who have served for decades — plays a part in this renaissance of faith.
Yet this renewal is not the work of priests alone. It is being built day by day by all faithful — deacons, religious sisters and brothers, parents teaching their children to pray, kupuna who never stop interceding for their families, catechists, choir members, lectors and the volunteers who quietly make the church come alive each week.
The Spirit is moving through all the baptized, reminding us that holiness is a shared vocation and hope is a gift meant to be multiplied.
The church is not in decline. She is alive — reborn in the hearts of those who have returned, renewed in the faith of those who never left, and radiant in the witness of those who welcome others with joy.
What we as local Catholics can do is continue to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. If you know of a young person discerning a call to priesthood or consecrated life, please encourage them to reach out to Father Guerrero, director of the diocesan Office of Vocations. Together, let us nurture the next generation of shepherds and witnesses to Christ’s love.