Special to the Herald
The sound of an oli delivered by Chaminade University of Honolulu Director of Campus Ministry Tasha Castro resonated throughout the newly refreshed Mystical Rose Oratory, opening the university’s annual spiritual convocation and marking the beginning of a new academic year.
The Aug. 26 gathering was also the first major event held in the renovated oratory, providing a meaningful setting for a Chaminade tradition that brings together students, faculty, staff, administrators and members of the Marianist community to reflect on Chaminade’s Catholic and Marianist mission.
Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, served as celebrant and homilist, delivering a message centered on the importance of educating the whole person — both mind and heart.
That commitment, he noted, lies at the heart of Catholic education. While students come to a university to gain knowledge and prepare for careers, education also offers an opportunity for spiritual growth, deeper reflection and connection with others.
Bishop Castori reflected on his own early connection to Chaminade through the late Bishop Amando Samo, the first native Catholic bishop of Micronesia, who served the Diocese of the Caroline Islands for decades. Bishop Castori said he had recently graduated from college when he met Bishop Samo, who was a 1973 graduate of Chaminade.
The bishop also expressed gratitude to Chaminade President Lynn Babington and the Chaminade ohana for welcoming him to the campus community. One of the first events he attended after arriving in Honolulu from Seattle was Chaminade’s commencement dinner in May.
A central tradition of the spiritual convocation is the recognition of Chaminade’s newest cohort of Marianist educational associates, who publicly affirm their commitment to the university’s Catholic and Marianist mission. The new associates joined current educational associates in reciting their pledge “to strengthen, sustain and develop the Catholic and Marianist mission and identity of Chaminade University of Honolulu.”
Bishop Castori then blessed the educational associates and offered a blessing for Chaminade students as they begin the new academic year. He encouraged them to approach their studies with discipline and purpose while also embracing the joy, friendships, support and opportunities that are part of the college experience.
Prayers were offered in Hawaiian, Korean, Samoan, Tagalog and Spanish, reflecting the diversity of the Chaminade community and the many cultures represented.
Marianist Brothers, members of the Chaminade community and Campus Ministry staff also joined the gathering, which served as both a blessing for the academic year ahead and a reminder of the mission that has guided the university since its founding.
The convocation concluded with a renewed sense of purpose as the Chaminade community looked ahead to a new year of learning, service, faith and formation. At the center of the gathering was the university’s enduring commitment to prepare students not only for successful careers, but also for lives of purpose and meaningful contribution.