Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

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 […]

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, […]

Ronald ‘Ron’ Gochenouer / 1963-2026: Men’s ministry leader left lasting witness of love, service

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By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald On the screen of Ron Gochenouer’s phone is the quote: “Work hard in silence. Let success make the noise.” “That’s kind of how Ron rolled,” said his wife, Teresa Gochenouer. “He didn’t talk about stuff — he got into motion.” The passing of the man of few words and […]

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. […]

In memory: Maryknoll sisters had lasting impact on education across islands in Pacific

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Special to the Herald Sister Marie Rosso / 1930-2026 Maryknoll Sister Marie Rosso, who spent decades in Hawaii as an educator and social advocate, died Feb. 8 at age 95. She was a Maryknoll sister for 75 years. Sister Rosso was born Nov. 16, 1930, to Daniel and Anna Brennan Rosso in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; she […]

Father Roland Pacudan / 1957-2026: ‘Singing Priest’ shared creativity, faith with all

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Special to the Herald Father Roland Emmanuel Duterte Pacudan, affectionately remembered by many as “the Singing Priest,” passed away suddenly on Feb. 16 at age 68. He was born on Oct. 21, 1957, in Alicia, Bohol, Philippines. At age 9 he moved to Hawaii, where his life of faith and service would ultimately flourish. Father […]

St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister James Therese Joseph / 1928-2026: Longtime educator also loved sports, travel

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By the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Special to the Herald Wilhelmina Jeanette Niaulani Joseph was born May 27, 1928, in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, to Duncan K. and Emma Helm Joseph. Her brother, Duncan Jr., arrived five years later. Growing up, Joseph attended Lincoln School and Kapalama School in Honolulu, both of which […]

Sacred Hearts Father Albert Garcia / 1942-2025: Pastor with Honokaa roots served across isles

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Hawaii Catholic Herald Known for his musical composition of a Mass in Hawaiian that is still sung today, Sacred Hearts Father Albert Garcia served as a beloved pastor, educator and chaplain on Oahu and Maui for many decades. Father Garcia died Dec. 29 at age 83 after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease. He was […]