By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald Though there was no way to know at the time, Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ’s childhood laid the groundwork for his current ministry as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu. When he was growing up in Carmichael, California, the youngest of three children and only boy […]
Analysis: With Bishop Castori, diocese is in good hands
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
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 […]
Official notices: July 31, 2026
Bishop Castori’s schedule [events indicated will be attended by Bishop’s delegate] Bishop’s announcements and appointments
Signs and symbols: Bishop Castori’s crosier holds ‘layers of meaning’
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
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 hierarchy
Here is a list of the visiting cardinals, archbishops and bishops who attended the solemn vespers and ordination and installation Mass for Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ. Others in attendance:
The liturgy: Becoming a bishop requires a carefully choreographed celebration
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
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
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 […]