Honoring Hawaii's Patroness!

Today, with great pomp and solemnity, our local Church celebrated the Feast of the Patroness of our beautiful Hawaiian diocese - Our Lady of Peace.

Bishop Larry Silva presided over the Noon Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, accompanied by several Priests and Deacons from around Oahu.  Not unexpectedly, it was a fitting and meaningful tribute to our Blessed Mother as well as to the fruitful history of the Catholic Church in Hawaii.

Bishop Larry prays with local clergy.  Note

the holy figures visible on the pillar to the right

(circled and artistically outlined).

Even the mysterious images of the Holy Mother and Child, and the Holy Face of Christ, visible on a pillar since October 2023, seemed to participate in the festivities by appearing more distinct than usual.  Plus, during the General Intercessions, this author witnessed the Blessed Virgin smile, while the normally closed eye of the Lord’s Holy Face image suddenly opened, as though to reassure that He is watching over us.  What a gift from Heaven!

Our Lady of Peace,

pray for us!

It goes without saying that I feel tremendously blessed to be a part of our local Catholic Ohana; to be in an Aloha Spirit-filled Diocese that's graced with a good Bishop; two Saints; a Servant of God (Joseph Dutton, whose Cause for Sainthood seems to be quickly progressing); and, as already mentioned, the presence of Christ and Our Lady of Peace, via the unique "sign" in our historic and beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.

My Brothers and Sisters of Hawaii, WE ARE BLESSED!  Thanks and Praises be to GOD!