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Bishop Silva’s Reminder of the Importance of Voting

October 15, 2024

(Joaquin Corbalan P / Shutterstock.com)

Memorial of St. Theresa of Avila

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Honolulu,

Peace be with you!

St. Theresa of Avila was known for her personal holiness, but also for her vision and hard work in reforming the Carmelite Order, which had become very lax. Some applauded her efforts, while others opposed them; but she knew, through her prayerful discernment, that this reform was the will of God, even though it was difficult to achieve.

As we approach the 2024 election, we know that there is much to be reformed in our own country. We have lost a respect for life in all its stages. We have allowed marriage and solid parenting as the basis for a stable society to erode. We have the heavy challenge of not only housing the homeless but of addressing the root causes of homelessness. Our civil disagreement with one another has become toxic, demonizing of those who do not agree with us. While religious freedom once prevailed, there was a general sense that religion was respected for its thoughtful and experienced service of the community, and this, too, has eroded.

We are soon to experience one of the most important elections for the future of our country. It is our duty as followers of Jesus to take our civic duties seriously. We are to be good stewards of our beloved land by voting, so that those we elect can embody the values that will truly reform our country. We need to carefully prepare for voting by prayerfully discerning the Lord’s will and applying what we discern on the ballot. And even after the election we need to continually pray for our elected leaders and stay engaged with them, so that the gift of democracy that has been given to us can truly flourish.

Please pray, discern, and VOTE! St. Theresa, pray for us!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Larry Silva
Bishop of Honolulu

View Bishop Silva's letter as a PDF file HERE.