Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Bishop Castori: ‘Let the islands rejoice!’

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“Let the islands rejoice!” (Psalm 97) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we enter the bicentennial of the arrival of the Catholic faith in Hawaii, the uplifting prayer of Psalm 97, “Let the islands rejoice!” captures the moment. Two centuries after Holy Mass was first celebrated on Hawaiian soil by missionaries of the Sacred […]

Analysis: With Bishop Castori, diocese is in good hands

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By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald The role of bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu is a great challenge to fill on the rare occasions when it opens up. Hawaii’s unique and diverse blend of ethnicities, cultures, ages and stages in life requires a compassionate and flexible leader who also brings a level head […]

Reflection: Michael our bishop

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By Anthony Selvanathan Special to the Herald This weekend, something will sound different at every Catholic Mass throughout the Diocese of Honolulu. For the first time, during the Eucharistic prayer, many island Catholics will hear the words, “Leo XIV our pope and Michael our bishop.” It may seem like a small change in a familiar […]

Appreciation: Joining the heavenly chorus

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By Patrick Downes Special to the Herald If you have attended a major liturgical celebration in Hawaii over the past four decades, you have sung Robert Mondoy’s music. Whether they were for solemn feast days, ordinations, funerals or special commemorations, the compositions and arrangements of the Molokai-born musician have permanently enriched island worship. For Rob, […]

Bishop Larry Silva: A momentous year ahead

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Witness to Jesus | Feast of Our Lady of Peace Here is the prepared text of the homily delivered July 9 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Honolulu, marking the opening of the bicentennial of the Catholic faith in Hawaii. Arrivals are never the beginning of a journey. As we prepare to celebrate the momentous […]

Talk Story: Live the Gospel, share the Gospel

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Office for Social Ministry “God always loves us first. The beauty of the sea, this island and your faces is a reflection of his gratuitous initiative: Love precedes us, surrounds us and brings us together. The Gospel resounds where peoples meet, people welcome one another, their lives intertwine and different cultures engage in dialogue.” (Pope […]

Reflection: Sent out two by two

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By Father Jaroslaw Skrzypek Special to the Herald Under a soaring Roman sky on June 16, an extraordinary spiritual mobilization began as roughly 800 priests from Redemptoris Mater seminaries across the Americas descended upon the Eternal City. Representing every nation where these seminaries operate — spanning from Canada to Uruguay, with special guests from Asia, […]

Hawaii Catholic Harold’s Quiz: July 17, 2026

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Summer is already half gone, my Quizzical friends. But whether we’re watching a sunset, sharing a meal with family, or enjoying a quiet evening in prayer, these moments remind us that life’s greatest blessings are often its simplest. So, grab a chair, sit back and enjoy this week’s Quiz. 1) PAPAL ENCYCLICALS In his first […]

Sister Mary Sixtilles Pillado, Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines: Abundant graces

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Viriditas2: Soul Greening Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP Hawaii Catholic Herald My fondest memory of Hawaii is climbing trees in Waianae. We used to have a lot of trees in the former House of Aloha assisted living facility. There was an abundance of oranges and avocados. It was so much fun being able […]

Jenna Marie Cooper: Vow renewals are nice, but unnecessary

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Question corner Q: This past weekend my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and part of the celebrations included renewing their wedding vows. At this point I’m not worried about my parents staying together, but it got me wondering: Hypothetically, would a vow renewal like this have any impact if a couple were to try […]