Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

Obituaries: 2 Dominican Sisters served for decades in Hawaii schools

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Mother Felicitas Macsera / 1930-2025 Mother Felicitas Macsera was born April 21, 1930, to Francisco Macsera and Soledad Jaynos in the neighborhood of St. Anne Parish in Molo, Iloilo, Philippines. At the Charity School of the Beaterio of Molo, she learned catechism and vernacular reading under Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo, founder of the Dominican Sisters […]

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 […]