Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Father Claudio Aguirre, diocesan priest: ‘Every day, I choose to serve’

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Viriditas2: Soul Greening Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP Hawaii Catholic Herald “I am a missionary priest,” I tell people, and I smile — not because it is easy, but because it is grace. I come from Venezuela, and my journey to the priesthood began when I was just 16 years old. I entered […]

Jenna Marie Cooper: Descent into hell sealed redemption

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Question corner Q: In the Apostles’ Creed, we say that Jesus “descended into hell” after he died on the cross. But why would Jesus go to hell if he was sinless? A: The short answer is that Jesus was not sent to hell as a consequence for his own sinfulness, but in order to free […]

Sarah and David Herrmann: Walking with parish ohana

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Embracing Family Do we ever feel that parenting rests entirely on our shoulders? Does this leave us exhausted and longing for support? We don’t need to carry this alone. Catholic parishes offer grace, community and support, reminding us that we share the journey together. Let’s shift from “you” to “we.” We gain strength by participating […]

Msgr. Owen F. Campion: Turning away from God will lead us toward peril

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Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10 Readings from the Acts of the Apostles frequently occur during the Easter season. They clearly show not just life in general in the first Christian community but quite expressly they reveal the special place among the early Christians of the apostles, and that […]

Greg Erlandson: Coast-to-coast faith education

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Amid the fray St. John Henry Newman, writing in the 19th century, wanted a Catholic laity “who know their religion … who know what they hold and what they do not.” Whatever the challenges Newman faced in the 19th century, one could argue that the challenge of educating adult Catholics in the faith is that […]

Paul Thigpen: Salvation requires upkeep

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Commentary “Are you saved?” That’s a question often heard from well-meaning Christians who want to help others know Jesus Christ. As Catholics whose faith is centered in him, we can appreciate their good intentions and admire their willingness to talk about God. Even so, we may have trouble understanding what their question is really all […]

Bishop Larry Silva: Bringing the light of Christ to others

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Witness to Jesus | Easter Sunday Here is the prepared text of the homily delivered on April 4, Easter Vigil, with the Cathedral Community of Our Lady of Peace at the Kamiano Center in downtown Honolulu; and on April 5, Easter Sunday, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu and at Our Lady of […]

Talk Story: A mission of service and respect

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Office for Social Ministry “Before any distinction of charisms and ministries, we are all equal in dignity as members of the people of God through baptism.” (Pope Leo XIV, Holy Week 2026) Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus message during Holy Week reminds us that as a faith family, we belong to one church — one ohana […]

Respect Life: USCCB directives offer guidance on dignity, Catholic health care

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By Val and Deacon Gary Streff Special to the Herald One of Pope Leo XIV’s goals this year is for Christians to be reacquainted with the Second Vatican Council and to rediscover the beauty and importance of the many ecclesial documents that came out of the historic meeting. The “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic […]

Pilgrimage reflection: Prayers offered, prayers fulfilled

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By Caridad Namoca Special to the Herald Dreams come true. For them to become a reality, one must work hard to accomplish and achieve those dreams. Patience, sacrifice and determination are necessary along the way. One must have hope, for hope does not disappoint. It will give us the strength to continue moving forward until […]