OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “The journey of faith is never a walk in the park, it is never easy for anyone, not for Peter nor for Paul, not for any Christian.” (Pope Francis on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, 2022) This summer’s severe drought and sweltering record temperatures across Italy and […]
Patron saints: Match or no match?
By Guy Lee Special to the Herald Embracing the Communion of Saints, we Catholics traditionally favor those offering specific protection, assistance or guidance. How well do the backgrounds, traits and interests of these patron saints match our prayers? For the most popular patron saints the reason we seek their help is obvious. Fishermen pray to […]
Questions for Duane Pavao, Director of Cemeteries, Hawaii Catholic Cemeteries
A Q&A by the Office of Catholic Cemeteries — Diocese of Honolulu. When the Diocese of Honolulu contracted with cemetery experts Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services (CFCS), a ministry from the Diocese of Oakland, the first step was to hire someone experienced and proven in sales, marketing, customer service and team building. Most of all, […]
Missions of peace
Pope Francis last week sent the head of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development Cardinal Michael Czerny and Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, papal almoner, to Ukraine to meet with refugees and displaced persons and those who assist them. Cardinal Czerny wrote about his mission in the Jesuit publication “Aggiornamenti Sociali.” Here are excerpts. By […]
Deacon Gary and Valerie Streff: Lent: What to give up?
COMMENTARY During the 40 days of Lent, many of us consider giving up something, like TV or chocolates or our morning Starbucks ritual. But instead of abstaining from something, how about spending more time in prayer and meditation? Maybe, just maybe, we should redirect our focus on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The […]
Emma Dickinson: Ash Wednesday: Return to me
REFLECTION I spotted him sitting there as I hurried across the street, his head nodding from exhaustion and his light jacket doing little to shelter him from the biting cold. I nearly passed right by, as I almost always do, but I felt an urge that I just couldn’t shake: Talk to him. So I […]
Eva Andrade: Issues from birth to death
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The 2022 legislative session is running at full speed, and as usual, issues from birth to death and everything in between, are in its crosshairs. Two positive life bills actually got some traction this year. One would extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum depression to 12 months. Unfortunately, the second was deferred in committee. […]
Commentary: Catholic Charities Hawaii celebrating its 75th this year
“That is where Jesus is born,” Pope Francis said at Christmas, “close to the forgotten ones of the peripheries.” That is where Catholic Charities Hawaii works — and has worked for 75 years — bringing dignity to the forgotten ones; “ennobling the excluded,” to borrow another phrase of the Holy Father. Because each one is […]
Commentary: Landlords needed — Help house our community
This article represents a joint message from the diocesan Office for Social Ministry, HOPE Services Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Hawaii Catholic Conference, working with the Office of the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “At some point in life, we all need help,” said Jon Lam, an Oahu landlord. For many people in Hawaii, housing […]
Commentary: What are you seeking this season?
By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald My four-year-old knew instantly that Mary was missing when she started playing with our Little People Nativity in early December. “Where’s Mary?” she said a bit anxiously as she found me in another room. At first, I had no idea what she was talking about. But when I realized […]
