Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Signs and symbols: Bishop Castori’s crosier holds ‘layers of meaning’

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By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald The insignia of a Roman Catholic bishop are the same throughout the world — they each have a miter (ceremonial cap or headdress), crosier (pastoral staff), pectoral cross and episcopal ring in addition to their signature amaranth-red zucchetto, or skullcap. For Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, of all those […]

Coat of arms: From California to Tonga to Hawaii

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An episcopal heraldic achievement, commonly known as a bishop’s coat of arms, consists of three main elements: the shield with its heraldic charges (symbols), a motto displayed on a scroll, and the external ornamentation that signifies episcopal rank. At the heart of every heraldic achievement is the shield, which serves as its central and most […]

The liturgy: Becoming a bishop requires a carefully choreographed celebration

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Hawaii Catholic Herald The outlines for the solemn vespers and ordination and installation Mass described below were laid out before publication of this issue, which occurred after the joyous events. Any discrepancies between what is printed and what actually took place are unintentional. A full recap of the Mass will appear in the Aug. 14 […]

Bishops of Hawaii

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Bishops of Hawaii During its mission period (1827-1940), the Catholic Church in Hawaii had six bishops. Officially referred to as vicars apostolic, they all belonged to the France-based Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who sent the first Catholic missionaries to Hawaii in 1827. Since the establishment of the Diocese of Honolulu […]

History of Catholicism in Hawaii

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Hawaii Catholic Herald The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious denomination in the state of Hawaii, claimed by approximately one-fifth of a population of 1.4 million people. It is a church that has grown from the roots of banishment, persecution and tragedy to produce examples of heroic sanctity in the persons of St. Damien […]

Robert M. Mondoy / 1952-2026: Beloved musician’s works, spirit are ‘a gift to the world’

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Hawaii Catholic Herald Robert M. Mondoy was a prolific musician, composer, director and arranger of sacred music who brought an enthusiastic infusion of island culture into his life’s work. Whether he was pounding on a pipe organ, strumming an ukulele or singing with full voice in churches across the diocese, Mondoy’s liturgical music beautifully blended […]

Bishop Larry Silva: A lasting legacy

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By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald It has never been difficult to spot Bishop Clarence “Larry” Silva across the Diocese of Honolulu — he is always on the move, whether he is celebrating Mass, attending a parish event, visiting with schoolchildren or simply meeting parishioners where they are. The Hawaii-born bishop’s tireless efforts to shepherd […]

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, […]