Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Meli Watanuki of Kalaupapa / 1934-2026: Joyful and hard-working, Aunty knew ‘you never give up’

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By Valerie Monson Special to the Herald Kalaupapa lost one of its brightest personalities recently with the death of Meli Watanuki, a pillar of St. Francis Church and a tireless worker who became a businesswoman last year, just before her 91st birthday. Meli died at the Kalaupapa Care Home May 17 following a short illness. […]

Deacons now ‘priests forever’ as diocese celebrates ordination

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By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald Bishop Larry Silva ordained Deacon Taylor K. Mitchell and Deacon John Jacob Akau to the priesthood May 22 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu before family, friends and parishioners. In the overflowing church, some 68 priests — including Honolulu’s bishop-elect, Jesuit Father Michael Castori — and more […]

Point in Time Count shows progress, challenges

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By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald A one-night count of people experiencing homelessness on Hawaii island, Maui and Kauai in January showed that efforts to house families and individuals are gradually having a positive impact, thanks to the efforts of community organizations like Hope Services Hawaii. Bridging the Gap, a coalition of agencies dedicated to […]

Annual priest assignments reflect new ordinations, retirement

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Hawaii Catholic Herald Bishop Larry Silva’s annual update of priest assignments takes into account last month’s presbyteral ordination of Deacon John Jacob Akau and Deacon Taylor K. Mitchell, as well as the impending resignation of Msgr. Terry Watanabe on Maui. Now-Father Mitchell has been assigned as parochial vicar of St. Anthony Church in Wailuku effective […]

Talk Story: Remembering our humanity

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Office for Social Ministry “In order to protect the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, today we must once again reflect on the common good … The civilization of love begins when we choose compassion over power.” (Pope Leo XIV, “Magnifica Humanitas”) Every year, the feast of Pentecost celebrates the coming of the […]

Photo: Present and future

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Priests in the Diocese of Honolulu gathered last month for their annual weeklong retreat at St. Stephen Diocesan Center in Kaneohe, joined by Bishop Larry Silva and Honolulu’s bishop-elect, Jesuit Father Michael Castori. They paused for a group photo May 21 after a special Mass at St. Stephen’s chapel that included the blessing of then-Deacons […]

Sacred Hearts School, Lahaina: Making memories, looking ahead

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By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald Faith and resilience are the keys to overcoming challenges for Tonata Lolesio, principal of Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina. Through the aloha of a strong and supportive community, the students, families and staff of the preschool-through-eighth grade campus have wrapped up their second year at their temporary Kaanapali campus, […]

Chaminade bestows honorary doctorate on Bishop Silva

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Special to the Herald Bishop Larry Silva was the recipient of an honorary doctor of letters degree May 9 during Chaminade University of Honolulu’s 68th commencement ceremony at the Waikiki Shell. Chaminade President Lynn Babington introduced Silva during the ceremony and presented him with the degree and hood. “Bishop Larry has been a partner and […]

Love for Bible leads to full life of ministry

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By Catholic Stewardship Consultants www.CatholicSteward.com Many years ago, through a simple invitation, Trudy and James Rawlins got involved at St. Ann Church in Kaneohe. They both felt unworthy but were assured that no one is truly worthy on their own. Instead, through the grace of God, we are all given the specific gifts we need […]