Libert H. Boeynaems facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Libert Hubert Boeynaems SS.CC. |
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| Vicar Apostolic of Hawaiian Islands | |
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| Church | Roman Catholic |
| See | Titular Bishop of Zeugma in Syria |
| Appointed | April 6, 1903 |
| In Office | 1903–1926 |
| Predecessor | Gulstan Ropert |
| Successor | Stephen Alencastre |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | September 11, 1881 |
| Consecration | July 25, 1903 by George Thomas Montgomery |
| Rank | Bishop |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 18, 1857 Antwerp, Belgium |
| Died | May 13, 1926 (aged 68) |
| Buried | Honolulu Catholic Cemetery |
| Nationality | Belgian |
Libert H. Boeynaems (born August 18, 1857 – died May 13, 1926) was a Catholic priest from Belgium. He was a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, often called the SS.CC. Father Boeynaems became an important leader in the Catholic Church in the Hawaiian Islands. He served as the fourth vicar apostolic, which is like a bishop, for the region.
Early Life and Calling
Libert Hubert John Louis Boeynaems was born in Antwerp, Belgium. His parents were John Boeynaems and Leopoldina Van Opstal. From a young age, he studied to become a priest. He attended the Jesuit college in Antwerp. He also studied at the Major Seminary in Mechelen and the Catholic University of Leuven. On September 11, 1881, he was officially ordained as a Catholic priest.
Missionary Work in Hawaii
Soon after becoming a priest, Father Boeynaems began his missionary work. He sailed all the way to the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. He arrived in Honolulu on November 29, 1881. In January 1882, he became a pastor for the Catholic community on the island of Kauaʻi. He helped the native Hawaiians in areas like Līhuʻe and Hanalei. Later, he also served people in Līhuʻe to Mana on Kauaʻi.
During his first years in Honolulu, Father Boeynaems saw many big changes. He was there during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. He also witnessed the creation of the Republic of Hawaiʻi. Later, Hawaiʻi became a territory of the United States. In 1895, he moved to Wailuku, Maui, to continue his work.
Becoming a Bishop
In December 1902, the Holy See (the Pope's office in Rome) chose Father Boeynaems for a special role. On April 8, 1903, he was appointed Vicar Apostolic of the Hawaiian Islands. This meant he would lead the Catholic Church there. He was officially made a bishop on July 25, 1903. This ceremony took place in San Francisco, California. Archbishop George Thomas Montgomery consecrated him.
As a bishop, he worked hard to support the growing Catholic community. On April 11, 1915, Bishop Boeynaems dedicated a new church. It was called Saint Agnes-in-the-Palms at Kakaʻako. This church helped the many Portuguese and native Hawaiians living in that area. During his time as bishop, he also helped start several schools and orphanages. These places provided education and care for children.
Later Life and Legacy
Bishop Libert H. Boeynaems passed away on May 13, 1926. He was buried at the Honolulu Catholic Cemetery. This cemetery is in downtown Honolulu. His work helped shape the Catholic Church in Hawaiʻi for many years.
