Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Pope defends church reform amid rift with traditionalists

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By Josephine Peterson Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Amid renewed tensions between the Vatican and traditionalist Catholics over the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo XIV defended church reform as a legitimate process that adapts to current needs while remaining rooted in authentic tradition. During his May 27 general audience in St. […]

Church celebrates seafarers to show ‘they’re not forgotten’

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By Kurt Jensen OSV News Discipleship begins by simply saying yes. That was the message of Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Frank R. Schuster, bishop promoter of the Stella Maris ministry, at the annual Maritime Day Mass in Washington. Stella Maris, also known as the Apostleship of the Sea, is the international Catholic organization for the social […]

Bishop-elect Father Michael Castori: Ministry in Pacific provides a strong foundation

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By Lisa Dahm and Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald When Bishop Larry Silva submitted his age-mandated resignation in August 2024, a period of nervous anticipation set in among Hawaii’s Catholics as they waited for the Vatican to name a successor. They waited. And waited. Was the Holy See honoring Bishop Silva’s humble request to […]

Faithful welcome Father Castori as bishop-elect

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By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald Jesuit Father Michael Castori was quickly and warmly welcomed by isle Catholics earlier this month as Pope Leo XIV announced he would become the sixth bishop of Honolulu. Whether they were familiar with Father Castori from his previous ministries or saw him for the first time during the Diocese […]

How many bishops again? A look at the diocese’s past, future leadership

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Hawaii Catholic Herald The Diocese of Honolulu’s announcement May 6 that it would have a new shepherd in two months’ time marks a rare and joyful milestone in its 85-year history. When Jesuit Father Michael Thomas Tupou Castori is ordained and installed July 28, he will become just the sixth bishop of the Diocese of […]

Pontiff marks anniversary with visit to Marian shrine

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By Courtney Mares OSV News POMPEI, Italy — Pope Leo XIV marked the anniversary of his May 8 election by making a pilgrimage to celebrate Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Pompei, one of Italy’s most beloved Marian shrines, placing his pontificate under the protection of the Virgin Mary. […]

1 year in, Pope Leo leans on prudence, quiet power

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By Paulina Guzik OSV News On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel and the world heard “Habemus Papam.” Journalists gathered at the top of the arm of Bernini Colonnade in Rome, upon hearing from Cardinal Dominique Mamberti: “Robertum Franciscum sanctae Romanae ecclesae cardinalem Prevost,” frantically asked: “Chi e?” — or “who […]

New annual appeal sees robust response so far

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By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald The Diocese of Honolulu’s new annual appeal is a little more than a month away from concluding its first, most active phase, and officials are encouraged by the response so far. As of April 30, a number of parishes have exceeded their individual fundraising goals, and overall the […]

Bishop Larry Silva: Through us, Jesus is here on earth

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Witness to Jesus | Ascension of the Lord Here is the prepared text of the homily delivered May 16 at St. John Vianney Church in Kailua and May 17 at Holy Family Church in Honolulu for the administration of confirmation and first holy Communion. “What would Jesus do?” is a saying that has become very […]