Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

James “Jim” Severson / 1934-2025: Former executive was a ‘great blessing’ to church, community

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By Celia K. Downes and Lisa DahmHawaii Catholic Herald “Sharp as a whip” and never idle, James “Jim” Severson led a life of service — to his family, to his parish and the community, to the Diocese of Honolulu and more. The financial expert had a successful career in the business world and also contributed […]

Franciscan Sister Mary Edward Sugioka / 1930-2025: Pearl City native was a beloved educator in isles and on mainland

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Special to the Herald Sister Mary Edward Sugioka of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities served in Hawaii for decades, as an educator at several schools and in administration at St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii. The Pearl City native, who converted to Catholicism as a high school student, died peacefully Sept. […]

Patricia S. Tossey / 1935-2025: A beloved guide for bishops and seminarians alike

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Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo renamed Pat Tossey’s role, changing it to administrative assistant from secretary. (HCH file photo) By Celia K. DownesHawaii Catholic Herald With an infectious laugh and a deep, enduring love for the church, Patricia S. Tossey played an essential role in the Diocese of Honolulu for five decades. Whether she was mentoring […]

Deacon Joseph T. Soon / 1971-2025: Deacon was known for his quiet, humble service to all

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Deacon Eric Kim, right, congratulates newly ordained Deacon Joseph Soon at Cohort 7’s final ordination ceremony on Jan. 31, 2015, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu. (HCH file photo / 2015) By Lisa DahmHawaii Catholic Herald In every family, each member has a special charism that helps them to best serve the others. […]

Alice E. Secor / 1930-2025: Longtime parish secretary was ‘always helping people’

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Alice E. Secor congratulates her son, Msgr. Gary Secor, at his investiture as a monsignor in 2017. (Courtesy photo / HCH file photo) By Celia K. DownesHawaii Catholic Herald Alice E. (Baptiste) Secor’s many decades of generosity and selfless service began when she was still in high school at Sacred Hearts Academy. Equipped with a […]

Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen / 1965-2025: Humble, selfless pastor gave his all for his flock

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A portrait of Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen was placed at the entrance of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Honolulu Aug. 1 as parishioners gathered for a memorial Mass. (Courtesy Dann Ebina) By Celia K. DownesHawaii Catholic Herald Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen’s unwavering faith in God carried him across the sea more than 40 years ago from […]

Marianist Brother William T. “Bill” Bolts / 1935-2025: Educator spent year as interim principal at Saint Louis School

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Special to the Herald Hawaii was just one stop on Marianist Brother William T. “Bill” Bolts’ long resume of teaching and pastoral work, but he made an impact wherever his ministry brought him. Brother Bolts, who served as an educator and administrator in California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and British Columbia over a 50-year career, died July […]

Marianist Brother James Joseph Christiana / 1952-2025: Longtime Chaminade educator had ‘a brilliant mind’

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Special to the Herald Marianist Brother James Joseph Christiana, who professed his perpetual vows in Hawaii 32 years ago and then taught at Chaminade University of Honolulu, died April 5 in St. Louis, Missouri, at age 72. He was 34 years professed, taking his first vows in August 1990 at the Marianist Provincial Residence in […]

Bishop Silva: Pope Francis led by humble example

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By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald Gray skies and a heavy downpour greeted the faithful who arrived at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu April 28 — fitting conditions, perhaps, for a memorial Mass for Pope Francis, who died a week earlier, on Easter Monday. Despite the short notice and dreary weather, the […]