The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace’s Deacon Joseph Almuena, Bishop Larry Silva and Father Pascual Abaya, rector of the cathedral basilica, during the Easter Sunday Mass there on April 12. (Screenshot)
A Hawaii Catholic Herald interview with Bishop Larry Silva on shepherding the flock during a pandemic
In answers to questions posed by the Hawaii Catholic Herald by email April 16, Bishop Larry Silva addressed the challenges he faced with the coronavirus pandemic, the positive and negative reaction to hard decisions he made, the good that has emerged from the crisis, and the lessons the pandemic teaches us.
Hawaii Catholic Herald: What has been your biggest challenge during this time of the coronavirus pandemic?
Bishop Larry Silva: The biggest challenge has been making the decision to cancel public liturgies. The Eucharist is the source and summit of who we are as a Church, the ultimate intimate communion with the risen Lord Jesus. And now, because we cannot meet in large groups and must basically stay home, this decision has been a great burden. Of course, it is a burden mostly on the faithful who are not able to participate in the Eucharist, but the decision is certainly burdensome to me.
Herald: How has this experience affected you personally?
Bishop Silva: This has been an extremely hectic time. In addition to all my normal responsibilities, I have been inundated with decisions to make about liturgical issues, financial issues, employment issues, and programs related to the poor and the homeless — all of which have become critical because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Herald: How is your health?
Bishop Silva: Thanks be to God, my health is fine. I do try to take a walk at least every other day, usually around the campus of St. Stephen Diocesan Center, where I live.
Herald: Have you been getting feedback from Catholics for your decisions to cancel or postpone services? Has it been negative? Supportive?
Bishop Silva: I think most Catholics understand the need to cancel or postpone services, even though it saddens them very much. I have received a few complimentary letters or emails in support of what I am doing. There are a few people, however, who think I have lost faith and am not being true to my responsibility as the chief shepherd of the diocese. I continually examine my conscience over this issue. Basically, I feel I am doing the right thing under the circumstances, but I do pray often for God’s mercy and strength to do what is right.
Herald: What reaction have you received regarding your livestreamed and televised liturgies?
Bishop Silva: I have received very positive reactions to the livestreamed liturgies. There were some technical glitches at first, and I was happy people pointed them out so we could correct them. Of course, even though the livestreamed liturgies are important to so many people, no one pretends that this is in any way optimal. We all want to come back and worship together as soon as possible. Another aspect of this is how weird it is to preach to a camera rather than a congregation. The only saving grace is knowing that through that camera lens I am actually reaching hundreds or thousands of people with the Gospel of Jesus.
Herald: Do you have plans for this year’s Elect receiving the sacraments of initiation?
Bishop Silva: This is not a firm decision since the situation is so fluid, but my thought is to ask the pastors to celebrate at least one of the Scrutinies (one of the steps in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), either on a Sunday or a weekday, then to ask them to choose a Sunday in the Easter season when they would like to celebrate the sacraments of initiation.
Herald: Do you have plans for this year’s Confirmations?
Bishop Silva: Again, the fluidity of the situation will determine what actually happens, but I was thinking perhaps I could do Confirmation/first Communion liturgies on weeknights at various parishes as well as on weekends. I might also see if neighboring parishes might be open to combining for this celebration so that I can catch up more quickly.
Herald: Do you personally know people who have been diagnosed with COVD-19, or their families, who have asked for prayers or reached out to you?
Bishop Silva: I have known of a few people who either showed symptoms or who tested positive for COVID-19. For the most part, they are now recovered, thanks be to God!
Herald: Your Easter homilies have been messages of hope. One result of this pandemic is an outpouring of charity, courage and cooperation. What other good have you seen come from this crisis?
Bishop Silva: I am often amazed at how many of our people and parishes have outreach programs to the poor and needy, but this time of pandemic has brought even more generosity and heroism. I commend all who work our food pantries and other services that reach out to those who are most in need. Our diocesan staff has also been working very hard to assure that our parishes and schools are able to weather the economic storm that has come with the pandemic. HOPE Services, Inc., one of our Church’s social service agencies on the Big Island, has been doing an outstanding job, as have Catholic Charities Hawaii and our Office of Social Ministry. They are the real messengers of hope!
Herald: What lesson has this pandemic taught us?
Bishop Silva: As someone said to me, the pandemic is a great equalizer. It has made us realize that the whole world is one family, that we are all vulnerable, but that we are all strong if we work together and support one another. It has also taught us not to take things for granted. When we cannot attend the liturgy, cannot enjoy a simple gathering with friends, or go for a hike, we are challenged to remember how blessed we normally are and to be more appreciative to God for the gifts he gives us every day.
Herald: How do you think our diocese and our church will have changed after this is all over?
Bishop Silva: Mostly, I believe we will have a greater appreciation for the Eucharist. As the saying goes, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Our “fasting” from the Eucharist and other sacraments will hopefully make us all the more appreciative of them.
I think we will probably be simpler in what we do and how we do it. One example is the monthly meeting of our Presbyteral (priests) Council. The Neighbor Island representatives fly in each month for a series of meetings. Our last few meetings have been on-line, saving us considerable money in airfares. Although a face-to-face meeting is always better, we may learn that we can all connect without leaving our homes. Maybe schools will also continue with more on-line learning opportunities to supplement the in-classroom work. In our necessity, we have tried new ways of connecting, and I think we will see that sometimes they can connect us fairly well.
Herald: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Bishop Silva: One of the blessings for me has been having five seminarians living with me at St. Stephen Diocesan Center. Since St. Patrick’s Seminary (in Menlo Park, California) closed down for the semester and sent all the seminarians home to continue classes on-line, these five have been with me, and we have spent some good time together in this household on the hill.
When this is all over — soon, we pray! — I hope we will be more patient and understanding with each other and help each other with the love of Christ that always gathers us together.
