Where’s Fran? – The Official Website of Francis X. Hezel, SJ

Mike Castori, New Bishop of Honolulu

Don’t we know him? Yes, indeed, was my response when I saw the recent notice on the appointment of Fr. Mike Castori, SJ, as the new bishop of Honolulu. Many years ago he was part of our team here in the islands.

The notice on the appointment mentioned Mike’s impressive string of academic degrees, his various teaching assignments and prison ministry in California, and even the Tongan community’s bestowal of his island middle name. But something significant was left out: his time with us in Micronesia.

What is it about the place? I ask myself this every time I visit Chuuk. We get into the rented car at the airport and make our way down to the boat pool on Weno at the usual speed of about 3 mph. Some of the downtown area is paved, while in other places the potholes are even deeper than I had remembered. Regardless, the long line of cars seems to crawl along at the same speed. It’s a challenge for those on foot to cross the street as they look for a little space between the tightly packed vehicles, but somehow they make it across safely. Some things never change, as the axiom goes. The condition of the road and the traffic are a case in point.

To report another typhoon seems like old news. Three years ago it was Mawar, a wimp of a typhoon compared to the four I experienced while living in Chuuk during the 70s and 80s. I suppose that the typhoon this past week, Sinlaku, might be dismissed as no stronger than Mawar here on Guam. Wind speeds never made it beyond 90 mph, and the damage to buildings seems to have been minor, at least as typhoons go.

Long time, no post! There was a time when I felt bound to observe production schedules and meet deadlines, but that has been lost—along with so much else—with age and senility. Still, welcome back to those of you who have had the patience to keep checking my site.

Not long ago I made a three-day trip to Saipan. It’s only a half-hour flight to an island just north of Guam. The ticket that once cost $50 now goes for ten times that. But that’s not all that has changed.

With the years goes the memory, we old-timers (or “senior citizens,” if you prefer) might say. So much of what I might have shared with you here has slipped away. But all the better for those of you who are skimming through this catch-up letter. Let me spare you the details. The year has been the usual procession of parish Masses, visits to the hospital, prayers alongside caskets in funeral parlors and homes, handouts to people who said they needed food or bus fare, and all the rest.

I seem to get the jitters whenever I go on-line these days. Who will it be this time, I wonder. Which of my former students has died and left that familiar sinking feeling in my heart as I read through his obituary?

There have been a multitude earlier this year, but in recent weeks three high-profile Xavier High School graduates have passed away. All of them were not just former students who became FSM notables, but they were also good friends.

Last week, Micronesia marked a major regional church event held on Yap, drawing attendees from across the islands. Dickson Tiwelfil, the last remaining Jesuit from the islands, was ordained as a priest before a congregation that nearly filled the large stadium temporarily converted into a church. Local Yapese chiefs attended—some in traditional loincloths—alongside visitors from Palau and other neighboring islands.

Yap. That mysterious state, home to legendary masters of magic and artisans of spells, known for its people who keep to themselves, a population divided between the Yapese and those of the surrounding atolls, who speak completely different languages and observe other customs.

On May 1st, a few dozen of us gathered at Yap Catholic High School to attend the formal opening of the new Micronesian Seminar library. The library, once the pride and joy of the institution after which it is named, contains not just paper documents like books and articles, but a remarkable collection of images (photos and videos) that date back to the 19th century. As a bonus, the library also boasts a collection of music that numbers 20,000 pieces—everything from ancient chants and dance music to modern love songs—all in island languages. You’ll have to forgive me for beating my chest about a library that I regard as the best on Micronesia, anywhere in the world.

The official blog of Rev. Francis X. Hezel, SJ

Mike Castori, New Bishop of Honolulu

What Is It About Chuuk?

The Storm Has Passed

Saipan’s Surge and Slump

Christmas, 2025

Farewell to a Few Old Friends…

Ordination of Dickson Tiwelfil in Yap

Yap, New Home of the MicSem Library