In January 2022, the inaugural Catholic Hawaiian Summit aimed to raise awareness of Hawaiʻi as the host culture among the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. Approximately 30 participants, rooted in both their Catholic faith and native Hawaiian heritage, collaborated under Fr. Alapaki Kim's guidance. Facilitated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, this summit led to the creation of a narrative on Native Hawaiian culture, influencing the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Native American Affairs Pastoral Plan.
On January 29, 2024, haumāna (students) of Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi ʻEkolu (Hawaiian Language 3) participated in a Catholic Hawaiian Summit at St. Stephenʻs Diocesan Center. The summit included participants from diverse backgrounds of profession and community service, including our honorable Bishop Larry Silva and various other distinguished priests and leaders.
Pictured above are our Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi 3 students: Waiʻolu, Amari, Esekielu, and Kapua. Below, they are joined by Principal, Kumu Maile Kipapa, Executive Administrative Assistant, Jake Galves, and some of the members in attendance at the summit.
Being the only student participants in this summit, they were able to share their personal experiences as Hawaiian learners, practitioners, and beneficiaries of inculturation in Catholic education. Students learn in an inclusive and culturally responsive educational environment that embraces the host culture of Hawaiʻi while simultaneously remaining actively grounded in their Catholic faith.
We are so proud of their representation of St. Joseph School, our Hawaiʻi Island Catholic community, as well as their Native Hawaiian prowess.
Ma ka hana, ka ʻike. Hoʻomaikaʻi iā lākou!