A Bishop’s visit to a parish community is ever one of anticipation. When you live on an island, hospitality is especially important. When Bishop Larry Silva visited St. Theresa parish, Kekaha, HI from Honolulu, our Franciscan Sisters Sister Janet Rose, Sister Mary Ann Tupy and Sister Michael Ann O’Donnell joined with the people welcoming him to the garden island. Bishop arrived for the 5:00 p.m. Mass Saturday. After Mass, he joined the leaders of the parish for a pot luck supper and discussion in the parish hall.
The next day on Sunday, he presided over the 8:30 a.m. Eucharist and then enjoyed a pot luck dinner with all the members of the parish. Part of his reason for coming was more than to greet everyone. He entertained a lively discussion with the members of the parish concerning three questions – What are the blessings of your parish? What are your concerns for the parish? What questions do you have for me your Bishop? (How would you answer these questions in your own situation?)