Fr. Herman Gomes, ss.cc. was born January 24, 1953 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Fr. Gomes is a local graduate of Damien Memorial High School ('71) and Chaminade College ('74).  He entered Sacred Hearts Seminary in September 1967 and made his profession in June 1975.  Three years later, he graduated from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and in that same year was ordained a priest, November 24, 1978.  After 8 years as a priest, he received another degree, Masters in Applied Spirituality, from the University of San Francisco.

 Since then he has been associate pator at St. Joseph Waipahu, Director of pre-Novitiate program for the Sacred Hearts, teacher at Damien Memorial High School (for 10 years), Pastor at St. Joseph Makawao, teacher at Chaminade University (for 6 years), associate pastor at St. Ann Kaneohe, and now pastor at St. Ann Kaneohe.

His geniune care and concern for people is unparalleled.  With an infectious smile and character, Fr. Gomes is great person to be around and an inspiring leader.  His speeches and talks have inspired many just as he has been inspired by the saints of our island home.  Here's an excerpt from the prelude to his homily at the red mass 2009

"In every generation, somewhere on this earth a few people embody the highest ideals of humankind: compassion, unconditional love, passion for a dream bigger than themselves, and the courage to be the change they wish for the world.  Fr. Damien of Molokai is our local example. He is a model of what is possible when a person deeply loves God, is dedicated to the well being of people, and does what is necessary to make a better world.  The needs are great; but we know that the abundance of our God – working through us – is more than sufficient.  We have greatness and heart here in Hawaii. May the work that we do together make the world we live in a little more worthy of our children and our grandchildren."

Join us Monday November 12 at Catholic Charities Hawaii to learn more about the legacy of Fr. Damien and Mother Marianne and to discuss their impact on the people of Hawaii and the world.