Traditional Red Mass set for Jan. 14
The Catholic Diocese of Honolulu will celebrate its traditional Red Mass service at 9 a.m. Jan. 14, the day before the start of Hawaii’s state legislative session.
Bishop Larry Silva will preside over the Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace on Fort Street Mall, which is held annually for the purpose of praying for wisdom and guidance over the state’s public servants. More than 1,000 invitations have been sent to officials in the state executive, legislative and judicial branches, and to city and county officials, religious leaders and military officers.
Father Robert Stark, diocesan director of the Office for Social Ministry, will give the keynote address on "Faith, Affordable Housing and Public/Private Partnerships." His message will "share some of the exciting examples here in Hawaii of innovative inter-community collaboration around affordable housing" and how these efforts can be expanded by public, private and faith sectors working together, Stark said in a release.
The Red Mass has been a tradition in Hawaii since 1955. Named for the color of the vestments (robes) worn for a Mass of the Holy Spirit, the Red Mass has a long history in Europe. About a century ago, it took hold and has been an annual event in Washington, D.C., and other mainland cities.
Stark came to Hawaii in 2010 to serve as a resource developer/community organizer for the diocese and has been involved in coordinating Hawaii parishioners in housing and homeless ministries. Previously, he worked in community and social justice causes on the mainland, in Latin America and the Caribbean. Stark holds a doctorate in social ethics from the University of Chicago Divinity School and has also served as a parish priest.
3 anti-abortion gatherings scheduled
Three anti-abortion events in January will mark the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion in the United States.
» Angela Baraquio, a former Miss America, will be the keynote speaker at "Cultures of Life: A Celebration," hosted by Whole Life Hawaii, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at St. Andrew’s Priory. To reserve a free seat, email danielle@iamwholelife.com by Jan. 15.
» A "Luminary Ceremony and Prayer Service" will be held at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the state Capitol, according to a news release issued by sponsors Aloha Life Advocates, formerly Hawaii Right to Life, and the Pearson Foundation of Hawaii Pregnancy Problem Centers.
Hundreds of luminaries (candles or other light sources in weighted paper bags) will be placed around the Capitol. The Pearson Foundation is collecting a $5 donation per luminary. Call Ruth Prinzivalli at 349-2223 for information.
» Aloha Life Advocates is also sponsoring the 41st annual Rally and March for Life from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Capitol, featuring Marianist John Thompson. Cynthia Milles, John and Shanita Akana, Honugruv and Victory Outreach will provide music and testimonies.
The Roe v. Wade case was decided Jan. 22, 1973.
Inaugural charity walk honors saint Cope
St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii is inviting the community to participate in the Inaugural Saint Marianne Cope Charity Walk on Jan. 18 to benefit the organization’s Charity Care Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need of care.
Bishop Larry Silva of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu will lead the walk. The 2-mile round trip will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Kakaako Gateway Park, wind around the Saint Marianne Cope statue at Kewalo Basin Park and end at Gateway Park.
Individual registration is $25 through Tuesday. All walkers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, which can be picked up Jan. 15 to 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the St. Francis Liliha Sullivan Building lobby, or St. Francis Intergenerational Center in Ewa (on Renton Road).
All participants who finish will receive a goodie bag. Forty walkers who finish will be randomly selected to participate in the Acura Cookie Toss. Event sponsors include the diocese’s Office of Social Ministry, Oahu Cemetery and Crematory, Acura of Honolulu, D. Otani Produce and MaHaLo Deep Sea Water.
For more information or a registration form, call 547-8031 or email gkaahanui@stfrancishawaii.org.
In 1883, St. Marianne Cope came to Hawaii with six Sisters of St. Francis to care for victims of leprosy, and later broadened their outreach to the entire community. Visit www.stfrancishawaii.org.
