Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in downtown Honolulu will soon undergo renovations as it approaches the 182nd anniversary of its dedication. Bishop Larry Silva discussed these plans during his homily for the Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, noting that careful consideration has gone into selecting materials and designs, as well as ensuring the needs of the congregation are met during the process.

Bishop Silva also highlighted preparations for another significant milestone: "Another event is the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the first Catholic Missionaries in Hawaii, which we will celebrate in 2027. We have been meeting to plan not only for the events at which we will celebrate this momentous occasion, which is a very detailed plan, including a POSSIBLE visit from the Pope, God willing. But there are also plans about helping us all to become more effective missionaries right here in Hawaii, bringing the Gospel to a very secularized culture, just as the first missionaries brought the Gospel to a religious culture, but one that knew nothing of Jesus Christ."

He reflected on how planning plays an important role not only in daily life but also in spiritual preparation: "We know how important planning is in our lives, from planning a meal to planning for retirement. While we are not always in control of what happens, we do try to plan so that the best outcomes are more likely."

Bishop Silva encouraged parishioners to focus their efforts on spiritual readiness and developing a deeper relationship with God. He emphasized regular Mass attendance as central to this preparation: "Our attendance at Mass is most important, because it is here that we physically encounter the risen Jesus, Body and Blood, soul and divinity, in the Eucharist. While we can – and should – encounter Jesus in our daily prayer, there is no encounter more intimate than this. This is why it is so important for us to come to Mass every Sunday – and more often, if we can."

The bishop further spoke about evangelization and sharing faith with others: "I often say that the best way we can learn something is to know that we have to teach it. This is why evangelization – sharing the Good News of the death and resurrection of Jesus – is so important. The more we can share it with others who have not yet heard it or embraced it, the more it will become a part of who we are. And when we are face-to-face with the Lord at judgement, we will be able to say that we were obedient to the Great Commission he gave us, of sharing Gospel with all world."

He addressed themes such as forgiveness and reconciliation within families and communities: "We should also think about who will be with us in heaven... Forgiveness and reconciliation are ways we can prepare ourselves to meet our Master and be judged worthy to enter his kingdom." Bishop Silva also reminded parishioners about compassion toward marginalized groups: "Jesus also makes it very clear that poor hungry homeless sick imprisoned are very close his heart... Are prepared be them without embarrassment heaven because reached out them here earth sharing resources love them?"

He concluded by urging continued preparation both spiritually and practically: "Yes all much planning do many things prepare for not only life but life come Today challenged do planning well so hour least expect ready meet Master Lord Jesus happily enter eternal kingdom."