E Hiki Mai Kou Aupuni: Building God’s Kingdom Together with Bishop Michael

​Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It was a profound honor to take part in the ordination and installation Mass of our new Bishop, Most Rev. Michael T. T. Castori, on Tuesday, July 28th at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa.  The celebration was deeply moving - filled with joy, hope, and a strong sense of unity.

We give thanks to the Lord for the gift of Bishop Michael and pray that God will accompany him always, blessing him with wisdom, strength, and a heart attentive to His people.

Bishop Michael chose as his episcopal motto E hiki mai kou aupuni — Thy Kingdom come.  In his remarks at the conclusion of the ordination Mass, he reminded us that God’s kingdom draws near whenever we embrace our divine calling: proclaiming the Word, lifting up the lives of others, and helping to renew the world entrusted to us.

His message resonates beautifully with this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 14:13–21), where Jesus withdraws to a quiet place, heals the sick, and then takes the humble offering of five loaves and two fish to feed a vast multitude, with abundance left over.

It is a vivid reminder that no gift is too small for God to use.  When we offer what we have - our skills, time, or resources - Jesus transforms our limited efforts into abundant impact.  The disciples saw scarcity in five loaves and two fish, but Jesus saw possibility.  His kingdom grows not through human strength or status, but through compassion and divine abundance.  When we stop focusing on our weakness and start trusting God’s power, even the smallest offering becomes more than enough.

May God take the humble beginnings of Bishop Michael’s ministry and bring forth a rich harvest of grace for all the people of our Diocese.  And may the Lord receive our own simple talents, gifts, and daily offerings, multiplying them so that many may be nourished by His goodness.  In this way, may His kingdom continue to shine brightly in our parish and in every heart He touches.

I wish you a grace-filled week!

Fr. Nick Apetorgbor