Viriditas2: Soul Greening Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP Hawaii Catholic Herald I have always seen my work as one of nurturing and sending forth. As a former director of religious education for over 20 years, I often think of our only Catholic school on Hawaii island as our very own loko ia (fishpond). […]
St. Joseph students, staff pay holiday visit to Franciscan sisters
By Maile Kipapa Special to the Herald In 1900, Franciscan sisters began running St. Joseph School, then a girls’ school, helping to establish a strong foundation for Catholic education in Hilo. In 1944, the purchase of land at Ululani and Hualalai streets secured the future site of St. Joseph elementary and high schools. Just a […]
Rising need sparks outpouring of support
By Lisa DahmHawaii Catholic Herald When Father Ese’ese “Ace” Tui heard from a few families in his parish concerned about losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits from the government shutdown that began Oct. 1, he knew he had to act. The pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Honolulu immediately engaged his parishioners […]
15 years on, seed of ‘Hope’ continues to flourish
The Friendly Place, located in Kailua-Kona, includes several initiatives ranging from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing. (Lisa Dahm / Hawaii Catholic Herald) By Lisa DahmHawaii Catholic Herald Since 2010, Hope Services Hawaii has worked to house people who are unsheltered across Hawaii island — from kupuna to families and everyone in between. Not only […]
St. Joseph School welcomes leaders of Blessed Sacrament order
Blessed Sacrament Father Apolinario “Poli” Ty, left, pastor of St. Joseph Church, joined Kumu Maile Kipapa, second from left; Student Council Executive President Raylee Mateo, left center; and student campus minister Michaela Costales, right center, as St. Joseph School hosted two Blessed Sacrament leaders for a tour. Father Philip Benzy Romician, second from right, is […]
Joyful stewards serve both church and school
The Villena ohana is active at St. Joseph Church and School in Hilo. (Courtesy Catholic Stewardship Consultants) By Catholic Stewardship Consultantswww.CatholicSteward.com Linden and Chrislyn Villena and their children — Jayden, Jadelyn, Jaxden and Jorden — are staples at St. Joseph Church and School in Hilo. Linden and Chrislyn are not only cradle Catholics, they are […]
7 schools gain new administrators
Hawaii Catholic Herald Seven schools across the state welcomed new administrators in the 2025-26 academic year — many are familiar faces on campus, and all have extensive experience in education. The top administrators at three schools previously served in their positions: Elsewhere in the Hawaii Catholic Schools system: Read below for brief biographies or messages […]
East Hawaii community celebrates Akau’s ordination
Hawaii Catholic Herald HILO — Before a full congregation of family, friends and faithful from across the state, John Jacob Akau took another step toward becoming a priest in the Diocese of Honolulu. Bishop Larry Silva ordained the Hawaii island native to the diaconate July 12 at St. Joseph Church in Hilo, with two dozen […]
Bishop Larry Silva: ordination Mass homily
Excerpts from Bishop Larry Silva’s homily during Mass celebrating the ordination to the diaconate of John Jacob Akau: “The plan of Jesus is to have his Gospel erupt from Jerusalem and grow to cover the entire world, and that was fulfilled in a dramatic way by the missionaries who came to set this part of […]
Deacons are excited and ready for priesthood
By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald For Deacon Preston Castro and Deacon Lawrence “Larry” Denis III, the last few weeks before their priestly ordinations have been filled with prayer, anticipation and preparation. Spiritual preparation, of course, but also logistical preparation: Before the priesthood comes final exams, seminary graduation and moving back home to Hawaii […]