Hawaii Catholic Herald
The events surrounding Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ’s July 28 episcopal ordination and installation Mass began with solemn vespers the day before, also at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu.
With Bishop Larry Silva presiding, the church resounded with the traditional hymns and psalmodies sung during the service, which is also known as evening prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.
After Bishop Silva delivered his homily, then-Father Castori stood at the altar to recite and sign the profession of faith and oath of fidelity required of bishops-elect. His signature after each was followed by that of Deacon Keith Cabiles, chancellor for the diocese, who also notarized both documents.
Bishop Silva then blessed the insignia that Father Castori would receive the next day — his miter (hat), ring and crosier (pastoral staff).
In a moving moment following the vespers, the kupuna who collaborated on the name of Father Castori’s custom-designed, handcrafted crosier sang to him as they gathered around the staff.
Kumu hula Leimomi Ho and Arthur Kauhane Aiu gave the crosier the name “Hanaiakamalamalamakekumuola,” or “to nurture, preserve, enlighten and guide the wellspring of life.”
According to Brandon Akiona, who helped design the crosier along with master woodworker Matthew Kawaiola Sproat, the name “evokes a navigator whose true course is not simply across the ocean, but toward the protection, illumination and perpetuation of life itself, echoing the bishop’s role as shepherd, teacher and guide for the people entrusted to him.
“Just as the Southern Cross” — whose name in Hawaiian, “Hanaiakamalama,” is included in the crosier’s own name — “shines brightly to orient the voyager, so too does the bishop bring clarity, wisdom and hope to those seeking the path forward,” Akiona told the Hawaii Catholic Herald.