SU Rector Named Bishop of Honolulu

Michael Castori, S.J., may have only been at Seattle University a short time, but his impact was clearly felt. Father Castori, rector of Arrupe Jesuit Residence since 2025, was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as bishop-elect of Honolulu in early May.

Father Michael Castori

“We will miss Fr. Castori  for his pastoral presence to all on campus, his excellent service on the Board of Trustees and his leadership of the multi-apostolic Arrupe Jesuit Community,” says interim president Stephen J. Sundborg, S.J. “All who got to know him have greatly admired and appreciated him.”

Father Sundborg says Castori’s appointment was a bit of a surprise as it is rare for a Jesuit to be asked to be a bishop. But his credentials are made the choice obvious.

Fr. Castori, 65, has a BA in classics from Harvard, master’s degrees in philosophical resources and divinity, a PhD in near Eastern religions from UC Berkeley and a licentiate in sacred theology from Fordham. Ordained to the priesthood in 1998, Fr. Castori has had pastoral assignments around the world, from Baltimore to the Bronx, from Fiji to Tonga. He also served in Catholic chaplaincy at San Quentin State Prison in California, in pastoral ministry at Mission Santa Clara and Campus Ministry at Santa Clara University.

As an educator he has taught in Guam, the Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Philippines and Santa Clara University.

Luke Lavin, assistant vice president for University Ministry, says Fr. Castori’s cultural roots and experience in the Pacific islands and understanding of their rich diversity and cultures made him an excellent choice for his new role.

“Spend five minutes with Fr. Castori and you immediately understand how deeply relational he is,” Lavin says. “How gracious he is to all he meets and how fully he embodies the charisms of St. Ignatius and the Jesuits.”

At Seattle University, Fr. Castori sits on the senior leadership team, participates in various mission conventions among faculty and senior leadership to discuss matters pertinent to the relationship of the university with the Society of Jesus. He also served on the Board of Trustees, presided at Masses and met with student groups.

Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos, vice president for Mission Integration, says Fr. Castori is an important partner for the Mission Integration team.

“I am filled with joy about the news but am sad that we are losing such a warm presence, a brilliant homilist,” she says. “I am excited and keenly aware that I am losing a thought partner in the work and a new-found friend.”

“Michael is a great choice for bishop of Honolulu because of his experience with and love of the peoples of the Pacific, his pastoral leadership and his friendliness,” Fr. Sundborg says. “The people of Hawai’i will love him.”

Fr. Castori’s episcopal ordination and installation as the sixth bishop of Honolulu will take place on July 28.