“Let the islands rejoice!” (Psalm 97) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we enter the bicentennial of the arrival of the Catholic faith in Hawaii, the uplifting prayer of Psalm 97, “Let the islands rejoice!” captures the moment. Two centuries after Holy Mass was first celebrated on Hawaiian soil by missionaries of the Sacred […]
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‘Special relationship’: Bishop Castori’s ties to Tonga are more than 3 decades deep
By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald At the heart of Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ’s coat of arms are two symbols that represent his loving embrace of family. On the left are poppies and lupines signifying his home and family in California, and on the right is a Tongan kumete — a large, wooden ceremonial […]
Profile: Building God’s kingdom as Honolulu’s new shepherd
By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald Though there was no way to know at the time, Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ’s childhood laid the groundwork for his current ministry as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu. When he was growing up in Carmichael, California, the youngest of three children and only boy […]
Analysis: With Bishop Castori, diocese is in good hands
By Celia K. Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald The role of bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu is a great challenge to fill on the rare occasions when it opens up. Hawaii’s unique and diverse blend of ethnicities, cultures, ages and stages in life requires a compassionate and flexible leader who also brings a level head […]
Official notices: July 31, 2026
Bishop Castori’s schedule [events indicated will be attended by Bishop’s delegate] Bishop’s announcements and appointments
Signs and symbols: Bishop Castori’s crosier holds ‘layers of meaning’
By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald The insignia of a Roman Catholic bishop are the same throughout the world — they each have a miter (ceremonial cap or headdress), crosier (pastoral staff), pectoral cross and episcopal ring in addition to their signature amaranth-red zucchetto, or skullcap. For Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, of all those […]
Coat of arms: From California to Tonga to Hawaii
An episcopal heraldic achievement, commonly known as a bishop’s coat of arms, consists of three main elements: the shield with its heraldic charges (symbols), a motto displayed on a scroll, and the external ornamentation that signifies episcopal rank. At the heart of every heraldic achievement is the shield, which serves as its central and most […]
The hierarchy
Here is a list of the visiting cardinals, archbishops and bishops who attended the solemn vespers and ordination and installation Mass for Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ. Others in attendance:
The liturgy: Becoming a bishop requires a carefully choreographed celebration
Hawaii Catholic Herald The outlines for the solemn vespers and ordination and installation Mass described below were laid out before publication of this issue, which occurred after the joyous events. Any discrepancies between what is printed and what actually took place are unintentional. A full recap of the Mass will appear in the Aug. 14 […]
Bishops of Hawaii
Bishops of Hawaii During its mission period (1827-1940), the Catholic Church in Hawaii had six bishops. Officially referred to as vicars apostolic, they all belonged to the France-based Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who sent the first Catholic missionaries to Hawaii in 1827. Since the establishment of the Diocese of Honolulu […]
History of Catholicism in Hawaii
Hawaii Catholic Herald The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious denomination in the state of Hawaii, claimed by approximately one-fifth of a population of 1.4 million people. It is a church that has grown from the roots of banishment, persecution and tragedy to produce examples of heroic sanctity in the persons of St. Damien […]
Robert M. Mondoy / 1952-2026: Beloved musician’s works, spirit are ‘a gift to the world’
Hawaii Catholic Herald Robert M. Mondoy was a prolific musician, composer, director and arranger of sacred music who brought an enthusiastic infusion of island culture into his life’s work. Whether he was pounding on a pipe organ, strumming an ukulele or singing with full voice in churches across the diocese, Mondoy’s liturgical music beautifully blended […]
Bishop Larry Silva: A lasting legacy
By Lisa Dahm Hawaii Catholic Herald It has never been difficult to spot Bishop Clarence “Larry” Silva across the Diocese of Honolulu — he is always on the move, whether he is celebrating Mass, attending a parish event, visiting with schoolchildren or simply meeting parishioners where they are. The Hawaii-born bishop’s tireless efforts to shepherd […]
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