Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Pope names first female prefect of a Vatican dicastery

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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has appointed Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla to be the first woman to lead a Vatican dicastery, naming her prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The 59-year-old Italian sister had served as secretary of the dicastery […]

New Washington cardinal arrives at pivotal political moment

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By Kate Scanlon OSV News WASHINGTON — With his appointment as new archbishop of Washington Jan. 6, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy’s term in the nation’s capital will begin shortly after President-elect Donald Trump begins his second stint in the White House, possibly creating flashpoints between the pair during their time in the nation’s capital over […]

Pope opens Holy Door toward ‘path of hope’

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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — In the quiet of Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, launching what he called a “Jubilee of Hope.” As the doors opened, the bells of the basilica began to peal. After the reading of a brief passage from the Gospel […]

Talk story: ‘Disarming’ hearts opens them to peace, hope

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Office for Social Ministry “We would do well simply to stop for a moment, at the beginning of this year, to think of the mercy with which he constantly forgives our sins and forgives our every debt, so that our hearts may overflow with hope and peace.” (Pope Francis on the World Day of Peace, […]

Pontiff urges Christians to remember past, current persecution

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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Christians in Japan should keep alive the memory of the persecution their ancestors endured for their faith and should also pray for Christians suffering persecution around the world today, Pope Francis said. Meeting Nov. 30 with members of the Hidden Christians Research Association, the pope led […]

Young saints-to-be inspire joy, gratitude across U.S.

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By Gina Christian OSV News PHILADELPHIA — News that canonization dates have been set for Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, who have become popular patrons for teens and young adults, is being met with joy and gratitude by a number of Catholics in the U.S. Pope Francis announced Nov. 20 that he will elevate […]

Pope Francis approves simpler liturgical rites for deceased pontiffs

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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, who will celebrate his 88th birthday this month, has approved simplified liturgical rites for the death of a pontiff. His body will rest in a zinc-lined wooden casket, according to the new rites. Recent popes had been buried inside a cypress wood coffin surrounded […]

Talk story: Hear the prayer of the poor, then help them

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OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “The World Day of the Poor … is a pastoral opportunity not to be underestimated, for it challenges every believer to listen to the prayer of the poor, becoming aware of their presence and needs. It is an opportune occasion to implement initiatives that concretely help the poor and to recognize […]