By Val and Deacon Gary Streff Special to the Herald The Diocese of Honolulu’s Respect Life Office offer several initiatives for anyone seeking information and support: Walking with Moms in Need, the Miscarriage Ministry and a program that addresses infertility. Walking with Moms in Need: This program was started by the U.S. Conference of Catholic […]
Hundreds gather at state Capitol to celebrate life
By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald Falling on the feast day of St. Marianne Cope, the annual March for Life rally at the state Capitol Jan. 23 drew more than 250 people, including students and parishioners, from across the diocese. While some attendees held signs and waved at motorists driving through downtown Honolulu, others sat […]
Respecting life: The reason for the season
By Val Streff Special to the Herald Christmas is a great time to focus on the incarnation of Jesus. Jesus took upon himself human flesh to save the world. Jesus conceived in the womb of the Blessed Mother shows us how God values life, especially the unborn. Passages 2270 and 2271 of the “Catechism of […]
Experts lay out facts, ethics of fertility treatments
By Lisa DahmHawaii Catholic Herald In light of recent federal action regarding fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, the diocesan Respect Life Office invited people to hear two experts discuss the processes and ethics of reproductive medicine Nov. 8 in an event hosted by St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church in Mililani. About four dozen […]
Seeking the wisdom of Mary during Respect Life Month
By Val and Deacon Gary StreffSpecial to the Herald October is Respect Life Month and the month of the rosary. We pray to Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of our Creator, mother of the church, mother of hope, comforter of the afflicted, queen of families and queen of the most holy rosary — what better person […]
The evolution and benefits of natural family planning
By Val and Deacon Gary StreffSpecial to the Herald Natural family planning has come a long way since its origins in the early 20th century as the “rhythm method.” In this method of birth control, a woman tracks her fertility signs to determine when during her normal menstrual cycle she is most likely to conceive. […]
‘Naming of a Child’ Mass honors keiki lost before birth
By Valerie and Deacon Gary Streff Special to the Herald A few years ago, Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy, then the diocesan director of faith formation and religious education, offered a suggestion to Bishop Larry Silva and other priests regarding the loss of a child through miscarriage. She noted how men and women grieve silently for their loss, […]
40 Days for Life celebrates local advocates for work to protect the unborn
By Val and Deacon Gary Streff Special to the Herald In 2004, David Bereit founded the nonprofit organization 40 Days for Life. Since its inception, 40 Days for Life has grown exponentially and can be found in hundreds of cities across the U.S. and around the world. The number 40 is often referred to in […]
Parish ‘baby showers’ offer pregnant, parenting mothers support
Special to the Herald Pregnant and parenting moms are in our parishes and neighborhoods, but in desperation are turning to other places for help. Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide program established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2020 to welcome pregnant and parenting moms to honor the gift of life. […]
Mass for children who die before birth
By the Respect Life Ministry Bishop Larry Silva celebrated a Mass for mothers, fathers and family members who have lost a child through miscarriage, Sept. 29 in the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa. The liturgy prays for those grieving the loss of their child, whether through miscarriage, an accident or any other reason. Each child is […]