Hawai'i Catholics embraced their first local-born bishop in a moving service yesterday that installed and ordained Bishop Clarence "Larry" Silva.

It was a historic moment for Hawai'i, said The Most Rev. William Levada to a crowd of 3,500 people at Blaisdell Arena. They agreed with a rousing hurray and joined in a standing ovation as the ceremony ended.

Some came three hours early to witness Hawai'i's first such double ceremony — Silva's ordination as bishop combined with his installation as head of the Catholic church in the state. The ritual included a Hawaiian chant and a ceremonial procession of 140 clergy, 18 bishops and archbishops and members of the Royal Hawaiian Society.

Some spectators crowded through the arena doors just as ancient kahili from St. Patrick Church were carried to the stage. No one wanted to miss the first time a Hawai'i-born son would be named bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu.

"I wanted to make sure I was here," said Linda Benda, a Kahala resident. "It is a historic moment. He's from here and he knows the culture. He's a part of us."

"It's an experience of a lifetime so we really wanted to see it," said Linda Palalay, who had come from Waialua.

"I was in Rome on Palm Sunday just before the Pope passed away and I said, 'This is historic. I've got to go,' " said Michael Garcia, who is stationed at Hickam Air Force Base. "This is the best place to work because of the diversity of cultures and as I look out here (at the crowd), it impresses the heck out of me."

Silva, who formerly was a vicar general for the Diocese of Oakland, Calif., was named bishop of Honolulu in May.

Hawai'i's 230,000 Catholics — the largest religious denomination in the state — had been without a bishop for more than a year since Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo became bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, Va.

People representing about a dozen cultures presented gifts to the new bishop that ranged from fresh-roasted char siu to blankets to a bronzed statue representing African-American culture. Banners of Mother Marianne Cope and Father Damien hung on each side of the stage that was the site of the ceremony.

Before the ceremony, Silva's family was greeted warmly by well-wishers with lei and hugs.

"I can't believe this is all just for my brother Larry," said Len Silva. "It's just amazing. He's always had an affinity for the Islands. It's a perfect fit.

"I know he'll do a good job."

After the nearly three-hour ceremony, everyone was treated to a free dinner at the exhibition hall, paid for by the diocese. Friend and former seminarian Frank de Lima was among the evening entertainment.

The last time Hawai'i Catholics held such a big to-do for a bishop was when it installed Bishop Joseph Anthony Ferrario in 1982.

On a bench outside the arena, an hour before the ceremony began, Sam Ahai was wrapping taro, coconut and sweet potato in ti leaves with the help of his 12-year-old grandson, Matthew Ho, for a ho'okupu.

"It's a great honor to represent the Hawaiians," Ahai said. "So far just the amount of people coming to the ceremony is unreal."

Representing the Samoan Catholic community was Mataio Noga and his wife, Kollette Noga, who were with a group bearing fine mat kapa cloths, traditional coconuts and an abundant fruit basket.

Linda Rego, a Niu Valley resident, Willetta Martin Centeio and Darlene Martin Ah Yo gave Silva a loaf of fresh sweet bread, wine and a towel with a map of the Azores printed on it, as a gift from the Portuguese community in Hawai'i.

"These are the traditions of our culture," Rego said. "I just got asked today or else I would have come in my native dress."

Kumu John Lake, who chanted the welcoming prayer, said, "He seems very humble and down to earth."

"I did the chant for Bishop Ferrario and of all the bishops, he was the first to recognize the host culture and all the people who make Hawai'i what it is," Lake said. "And this bishop does that, too."

Throughout the service, Silva appeared dry-eyed, although he had expected he would be overcome with emotion as he had been at his ordination to the priesthood. If he was awash in emotion, he didn't show it outwardly.

But he had taken time the day before and again yesterday to reflect on the momentous event that was about to occur, said Patrick Downes, spokesman for the Diocese of Honolulu.

"He did say he had to take some time away just to reflect and pray," Downes said. "It's easy to get wrapped up in the hoopla. I find him to be a very reflective, prayerful person."

As Silva waited to be escorted to the center of the stage at the start of the ordination service, he clasped and unclasped his hands and rocked gently on his heels.

In the most dramatic moment, Silva lay prone on the stage with his forehead cushioned in his hands, as the congregation chanted, "Hear our prayer" in response to the lengthy Litany of the Saints. As he finally arose, he dabbed his face with a napkin.

His voice was firm and strong as he stepped to the altar as a bishop to conduct his first sacrament of the eucharist with wafer and wine.

As the newly ordained bishop in his vestments and pointed hat took the stage to address the crowd, he was greeted with a second standing ovation and his brief address was interrupted often by applause.

Silva brought a thunderous round of applause with his very first comment as he spoke of how his father had always told the story about how his mother made Portuguese sweet bread to help raise money to build St. Theresa's church.

But in a more serious tone, he said he was humbled before such a vast number of witnesses to Christ, and his voice was emotional for a moment.

"Two centuries ago missionaries from such places as France, Belgium and the United States set out to plant seeds of faith in the firm land of Hawai'i, showing that all people and all nations are meant to be in union with one another.

"Today I am dependent on your prayers and support," Silva continued, recognizing that bishops had come from throughout the Pacific nations to support his ordination.

What it shows, he said, is "the universal church in its profound collegial solidarity." Turning to the people filling the seats in the upper gallery, he said he was "blessed with the presence" of those from inter-faith councils and other denominations "who are working hand in hand with Catholics in proclaiming the love of God for all."

A large contingent came from Oakland, including 40 to 50 clergy and members of his family.

On Sunday, there will be a family reunion at the home of his cousin Ruth Alves. Just before the ceremony, the family gathered outside for photos.

"We're so proud," said Pat Alves, a relative from Fremont, Calif., who had just arrived in Honolulu two hours before the ceremony. "I told him I knew he'd be a bishop."

"I feel great," said Jimmy Emilio, representing a contingent of Chuukese Catholics who had come to present the gift of a replica of a traditional transport boat used in their Micronesia islands. "This is the first time we've participated as Micronesians in something like this. We're the last group migrating into the state and the last to be recognized by the diocese as an ethnic Catholic group."

The Most Rev. Allen Vigneron, who is the bishop of the Oakland Diocese, said he was proud to present Silva to Honolulu.

"His priestly ministries have been a great gift to us," said Vigneron.

"Father Clarence 'Larry' Silva believes what he preaches," Vigneron said. "He embraces it and loves it.

"He loves Hawai'i and even more he loves you."

Correction: The names of Willetta Martin Centeio and Darlene Martin Ah Yo were inadvertently omitted from those who helped carry and present the Portuguese gifts of sweet bread and wine to newly ordained Roman Catholic Bishop Clarence 'Larry' Silva in a previous version of this story.