Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Effie Caldarola: Why does death take us by surprise?

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  COMMENTARY A beloved relative died in October — not an immediate family member, but someone who, throughout many years, was a reliable, solid presence; one of those even-keeled anchors that every extended family needs. As he grew older, he was widowed and experienced the loneliness that accompanies loss. We kept in touch. I suppose […]

Elizabeth Scalia: When the holy water fonts are dry

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  COMMENTARY In chapter 31 of her autobiography, the 16th- century Carmelite St. Teresa of Avila — one of four female doctors of the church, including her spiritual daughter, St. Thérèse of Lisieux — urges us toward frequent use of one particular, very common and (usually) widely available sacramental. “From long experience I have learned […]

Bishop Silva celebrates All Souls Mass on Maui for Lahaina fire victims

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Bishop Larry Silva celebrated a solemn All Souls Day Mass Nov. 2 at Sacred Hearts Church in Kapalua, with wildfire survivors and parishioners of Lahaina’s historic Maria Lanakila Church. “We have come today to lament with you, to mourn with you, and to grieve with you,” Bishop Silva said in his homily, standing next to […]

Comforting those who mourn

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Parish bereavement ministries bring practical and long-term help for those disabled by grief By Jennifer Rector Hawaii Catholic Herald When a loved one dies there are questions you are forced to face even if you may not be in the right mind to answer them. Where is your loved one going to be buried? Will […]

Synod on synodality report: Agreement, divergences

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The synthesis of the three-week-long meeting said the church needs to be more welcoming while not betraying traditional teachings By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — A report summarizing discussions at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops said the church may need more welcoming pastoral approaches, especially to people who feel excluded, […]

Bishop Larry Silva: Letter for Campaign for Human Development

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CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT “She reaches out her hands to the poor and extends her arms to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20, First Reading, Sunday, November 19, 2023) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This year, Sunday, November 19, is the World Day of the Poor, whose theme is “Do not turn your face away from […]

Pope encourages children to speak up, work for peace

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By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — In a celebration of life, peace, joy and harmony, thousands of children representing young people on every continent greeted Pope Francis during an afternoon event in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall. Children from different parts of the world, such as the Amazon and favelas of Brazil, […]