REV. MATTHEW LOCHS / 1911-2004
Retired isle pastor loved
to explore cyberspace
The Catholic priest and native of Belgium
served here 65 years and on four islands
The Rev. Matthew L. Lochs retired to the St. Patrick Monastery in Kaimuki seven years ago, but he did not retire from the world.
The 92-year-old priest was a proficient cyberspace explorer, reading online editions of European and mainland newspapers daily and exchanging messages with friends around the globe.
Lochs, who served as a pastor in several island parishes during his 65 years in Hawaii, died Friday at the monastery.
The Belgium native was a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, one of dozens of European priests who were assigned here. His parish assignments included Our Lady of Peace Cathedral and churches on Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu.
He spent almost half of his Hawaii career at St. Patrick Church, on his first assignment after arriving in Hawaii in 1939, and his last assignment in 1979. Although he retired from the assignment as associate pastor, he continued in residence and said Sunday Mass there until the age of 85.
Educated at Gregorian University in Rome, Lochs was chosen by the late Bishop James J. Sweeney to serve as assistant chancellor of the Honolulu diocese from 1947 to 1961. He was appointed to the diocesan Marriage Tribunal in 1967 and served until his death on that board, whose members apply canon law in investigating applications for annulments.
"Music was his big love," said the Rev. Joseph Hendrik. Lochs played the piano and organ and composed music as a pastime, and was involved in the liturgical music wherever he served.
Lochs was born in Neeroeteren, Limburg, Belgium, and was ordained in 1936.
A funeral Mass will be said at 7 p.m. tomorrow at St. Patrick Church. Friends may call after 5 p.m. Burial will be at 9 a.m. Friday in Hawaiian Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Hearts Fathers Retirement Fund, 1124 7th Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816.
He is survived by nieces and nephews.
