Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Father Elias “Eli” Escanilla / 1951-2025: Pastor shared love of Christ and culture with all

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By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald Father Elias “Eli” Escanilla possessed a keen ability to cultivate many things — plants and animals; funds for church repairs and improvements; interest in the Philippines, his home country; and a sense of community and pride at the parishes where he served. At Holy Rosary Church in Paia, […]

New support center puts focus on front-line workers

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By Jennifer Rector Hawaii Catholic Herald In a mission to care for caregivers in the wake of the devastating 2023 wildfires, a new effort to support first responders has begun on Maui. The Maui Support Center is now open at St. Anthony School in Wailuku. Catholic Charities Hawaii is partnering with the American Red Cross […]

Bishop Larry Silva: ‘Dotted line’ promises adventure in Jesus’ love

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Witness to Jesus | First Sunday of Lent Here is the prepared text of the homily delivered on March 8 at St. Anthony Church in Wailuku for the Maui Vicariate rite of election; and on March 9 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu for the rite of election for Oahu vicariates. Signing on […]

Fish fry will support schools, local nonprofit

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Hawaii Catholic Herald Knights of Columbus Council 6307 is holding a fish fry fundraiser next month to support Catholic schools in Kailua and a nonprofit organization that works to prevent sex trafficking and provides care for youth who have been exploited. The fish fry will take place April 4 at St. John Vianney Church’s parish […]

Stories of Hope: Thriving after struggle, mother now pays it forward

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By Catholic Relief Services Amina Bukar, a mother of five, is a well-respected leader and small-business owner in Muna Moforo, Nigeria. In her village nutrition group, she teaches mothers how to prepare nutrient-rich porridge for their children to help them grow strong and healthy. This is important because in Nigeria, more than 25 million people […]

Talk story: We are all pilgrims in Lent and in life

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Office for Social Ministry “This Lent, as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I would like to propose a few reflections on what it means to journey together in hope, and on the summons to conversion that God in his mercy addresses to all of us, as individuals and as a community.” (Pope Francis, […]

Eva Andrade: Checking in on key measures as faithful citizens

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Legislative report As Hawaii’s legislative session moves into its midpoint, lawmakers are considering a variety of bills that could significantly impact families, religious liberty and moral values. As people of faith, we are called to engage in these discussions, ensuring that laws uphold the dignity of human life, protect the family and preserve religious freedom. […]

A lifetime of support leads to a life of service

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Hawaii’s permanent deacons By Gwenda Mapa Special to the Herald My name is Gwenda Mapa, and I am the wife of Deacon Charley Mapa of St. Joseph Church in Hilo. Deacon Charley and I have been married for 53 years. We have two children, our son Charley Jr. and our daughter Brenna. Both are married, […]