Benedict XVI: prepared and credible priests

Benedict XVI explains the priestly prayer of Jesus

Reflection by a Priest - The Sacrifice at Holy Mass

The following is an excerpt from Father Charles Arminjon's The End of the Word.

"...At the Elevation, we take the Host in our hands, just as Jesus Christ, at the Last Supper, took the bread and wine into His holy and venerable hands. Then our words cease, our personality disappears, and the voice of Jesus Christ replaces that of His minister. It is no longer we who speak, no longer we who live: the body of the priest has become the very body of God. Leaning over the Host, we do not say 'This is the body of Jesus Christ, this is the blood of Jesus Christ,' but 'This is my body, this is my blood.'

'A great mystery and a sublime dignity is that of the priest, to whom is given a power the angels do not have. Priests alone, properly ordained, have the power to celebrate and consecrate the body of Jesus Christ...'"

-Then End of the Present World and the mysteries of the Future Life by Father Charles Arminjohn and published through Sophia Press.

Great reflection for our seminarians

To our dear seminarians, be encouraged and uplifted in your growing vocation. Here's a great reflection by Catholic Webphilospher, a priest and professor.

Pope calls for seminarians support for the new evangelization

Message to Our Seminarians

Note: First photo on top left is Anthony Raposo. He was ordained into the priesthood on December 30, 2011.

To our local seminarians,

You may not know it, but be reassured that your perseverance inspires us. Continue with your studies, embracing and allowing the formation to mold you into the priesthood or vocation God is calling you to. God always shower upon you blessings to keep your journey joyful and bearing good fruits!

The spiritual mothers of the Diocese of Honolulu


Here's just an example of how you are appreciated:

Fr. Michael Sliney LC
Thy Kingdom Come!
Dear Friends in Christ,

"Do what you are supposed to do..
when you are supposed to do it....
in the way you are supposed to do it....
then... You will become a saint... (St. Therese of the Little Flower)


I have had the privilege of working closely with seminarians during their internship here in DC for many years now. Just recently, I was observing their fervor in the chapel for morning prayers, their kindness and spirit of service in cooking meals, later noticing one who was on his way to bank to make some deposits, another who was setting the table for lunch with attention to detail, another preparing a talk for an upcoming retreat. Their afternoons are filled with meetings in Parishes, working with our youth programs…day in, day out, getting it done for Christ. Simple, ordinary activities, but done with a joyful and generous spirit, and I must say, very edifying and inspiring to me!

God bless,
Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Father Dave Travers to Retire

Father Dave is second from the left 

Read Hawaii Catholic Herald article here.

I am a daily Mass attendee at Saints Peter and Paul Church.Father Dave has been the pastor there for as long as I can remember.

It came as a bit of a surprise to find out that our beloved Father Dave was retiring. Surprise, because I didn't think Father ever wanted to leave Sts. Peter and Paul.   He is one of the kindest, gentlest, funniest priests we have been blessed to have here in Hawaii. He is also the kind of priest who never judges anyone and has taught his parishioners not to judge others either because as he often reminds us "we don't know the whole story".

Father Dave is really going to be missed at Sts. Peter and Paul church. He loves that parish so much. He often reminds all of us that it is the best parish around. He may be a little biased but Sts. Peter and Paul Church is a very joyful parish and I think it has a lot to do with the pastor who has been at the helm for 16 years.

So I take this opportunity to bid Father Dave a fond aloha but hope to see him around more now that he is retired....and I would also like to say aloha and E komo mai to the new pastor!

Annoucenment: Red Mass

Red Mass celebration in the Diocese of Honolulu this year will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace this Thursday, January 19, at 9 a.m. Bishop Larry Silva always officiates over this important event in our Church and the State of Hawai'i.


Red Mass Live January 19, 2012 at 9am

Please join HICTV as we broadcast live from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, the “RED MASS”.  Thursday, January 19, 2012, 9am.

Here is more info on the Mass and the Guest Speaker:

Fr. John A. Coleman, SJ, a Jesuit priest of 44 years and prominent American scholar, author and lecturer on numerous topics associated with the Catholic Church and the modern world, will deliver the keynote address at the annual Red Mass of the Diocese of Honolulu. The following is a brief synopsis of Fr. Coleman’s subject:

The relationship between American law and faith has long been a subject of controversy. Some secularists insist on a rigid separation. In their view, the state must remain totally neutral in all matters of faith. Some people who are religious feel that an overly dogmatic separation of church and state can, in fact, actually impede the free exercise of a religion which is concerned about the faith that does justice. They fear that rigid separation of faith and the state can degenerate into a separation of faith even from civil society, as if persons of faith lack ordinary citizen’s rights to critique or push for policies in relation to the common good of society. Others believe that some of the most important tenets of American law have religious roots and is enriched when it engages matters of faith. How to understand our precious first amendment in ways that relate law and faith in positive ways, while respecting the state’s role to promote all citizens’ (religious or not) rights and duties? How do or should sacred and secular law intersect?

Fr. Coleman, armed with a licentiate in theology and doctorate in sociology, has taught courses in social theory, American religion and culture, Catholic social teaching, politics, ethics, globalization and more in educational institutions across the United States and around the world. A sought-after speaker, Fr. Coleman has delivered countless lectures in universities and other prominent settings on topics ranging from globalism to spirituality to ministry to gays and lesbians. Member of numerous boards, commissions, and the recipient of multiple academic honors, Fr. Coleman is frequently quoted in media such as Time magazine, Newsweek, The New York Times, CNN and National Public Radio.

The Red Mass has been a tradition in Hawaii since 1955. It is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. Customarily celebrated each January, the month when the state legislature opens, this public liturgy is the church’s prayer to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance four our islands’ public servants. Many leaders in our community will be in attendance. The Mass begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu.

Please join us. For more information, contact the Office of the Bishop at (808) 585-3347 or rbannigan@rcchawaii.org.

Red Mass in 2011 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace with Governor Neil Abercrombie in attendance.

Prayer Request for All Priests in Diocese of Honolulu

Dear Spiritual Moms:

Please keep our priests in your prayers are they attend their retreat this week.

Mahalo and God bless!

National Vocation Awareness Week January 9-14

Title:		National Vocation Awareness Week January 9-14
Date:		Monday January 9, 2012
Time:		12:00 am - 1:00 am
Notes:		National Vocation Awareness Week January 9-14, 2012 From Fr. Peter Dumag, Vocations Director The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, January 9-14. God calls us all to live our faith and seek out our vocation to become a deacon, priest, and religious sister, married or single person. Perhaps God is calling you to the priesthood or consecrated life. Will you have the courage to follow your heart? We are all called to love and serve Him and one another. As we continue to walk in the light of Christ and to serve our Lord with our whole heart, mind and soul, may we be filled with the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and seek to forgive all who have hurt us. National Vocation Awareness Week is a time for reflection. During the week of January 9th-14th, we encourage all Catholics to: •Take time to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. •Reflect on our own vocation and strengthen our personal relationship with Christ. •Educate our young people about the importance of silent prayer and taking the time to truly •Listen to God's voice in our hearts. Please feel free to download these files for your classroom use. Resources for National Vocation Awareness Week 2012 - nvaw_english(2012a).pdf Contact Fr. Dumag at manao@rcchawaii.org if you have any questions. Mahalo.

Thank you, Melissa Crisostomo, for this information.

Prayer Requests

Aloha to our dear spiritual mothers and those who come to view this blog:

Please pray for the following intentions:

Fr. Marvin Samiano, JCL: admitted to the hospital on Tuesday of this week
Retreats of priests and seminarians. Schedules vary. St. Patrick in Merlo has theirs for the seminarians this week. Next week will be for our secular priests.

Mahalo! May you be blessed for your continued prayers for our priests and seminarians!

Ordination of Fr. Anthony Raposo, December 30, 2011 -- Part I

Congratulations, Fr. Anthony Wayne Raposo! 

From the spiritual mothers of the Diocese of Honolulu

Greetings: January 1, 2012

Today marks the end of Christmas Octave and the beginning of the New Year 2012.

Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou to all our priests, seminarians, spiritual mothers, and to all of you who come to visit our blog!

May this day, the first of the New Year, as well as our days to come be fully blessed with God's ageless grace and strength, healing and renewal, joy and birth, love and mercy, and all that we need to keep us focused on God and all that we are called to do and to be -- for his greater glory!

With confident hearts, we walk with Mary towards Christ.

A Blessed Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num 6:24-26).