Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Every October, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting on values such as caring for creation and solidarity with the poor. Pope Francis has emphasized these values through his papal encyclicals, urging Catholics to respond to the needs of both the earth and impoverished communities.

At a recent event in September, Pope Francis addressed the mission of integral human development, supporting global movements that fight for basic human rights like work, shelter, and land. This aligns with his monthly prayer intention for October, calling Catholics to share responsibility for the Church's mission.

The 2024 Synod session in Rome began with a spiritual retreat where participants received symbolic gifts: chocolates in hand-sewn bags from Venezuelan projects aimed at promoting local economies. These gifts represent solidarity in advancing integral human development worldwide. The chocolates were produced by Kharis Cocoa Workshop School, which trains young entrepreneurs in chocolate production. The bags were crafted by women involved in a project called "Building the Future."

These gifts are reminders that communities can thrive despite adversity. They prompt reflection on how individuals can contribute to environmental care and compassion for those less fortunate.

In Hawaii, parishioners demonstrate this shared responsibility through initiatives like St. Ann’s collaboration with the Institute for Human Services (IHS) on Oahu. Volunteers assembled hygiene kits distributed to women leaving prison and homeless individuals in Honolulu.

During the first week of the Synod, Pope Francis visited Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray for peace amidst ongoing global violence. He urged people worldwide to join him in prayer and fasting for peace.

In his October prayer intention video, Pope Francis concludes with an appeal: “Mahalo.”