Bishop Larry Silva celebrated Mass Sept. 14 aboard the USS Missouri. Navy chaplain Father Mark Bristol, center, Father Boniface Sakala, second from right, and Father Jaroslaw Skrzypek concelebrated. (Courtesy Robert Camilleri)
Hawaii Catholic Herald
The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus held a historic installation ceremony this summer aboard the USS Missouri, the celebrated battleship now docked at Pearl Harbor.
On Aug. 24, the 2024-25 officers from five Fourth Degree assemblies on Oahu — Bishop Louis Maigret, Bishop James Sweeney, Saint Damien, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Kamiano — were installed by district master Lito Alvarez.
The USS Missouri was docked in Tokyo Bay on
Sept. 2, 1945, when the U.S., Japan and representatives of Allied nations signed the instrument of surrender document aboard its teak deck, officially ending World War II.
Bishop Larry Silva celebrated Mass on the battleship’s fantail, or rear flight deck, with Father Boniface Sakala, Father Jaroslaw Skrzypek and Navy chaplain Father Mark Bristol concelebrating.
Referring to the tragedy of the Maui wildfires during his homily, Bishop Silva asked, “and where were the Knights? Right there with boots on the ground.”
After Mass, Bishop Silva blessed the assembly officer medals before Alvarez installed three faithful friars: Father Alfred Guerrero, Father Sakala and Father Skrzypek. Bishop Silva then bestowed medals on each priest.
Alvarez then conducted the installation of the other assembly officers, during which they promised to devote their time and talent to carrying out the duties of their respective offices. Each was invested with their medal of office by their spouse or significant other.
