From the Rector: Holy Souls, Diocesan Profile, Love of the Poor, and Marian Titles

7 November 2025

Dear Friends of Saint Mark's,

November is the month of Holy Souls when we ponder Christian mysteries such as heaven and hell, the resurrection of the dead, and the advent of Jesus Christ. All Hallows-tide begins the month with All Saints and All Souls, and in some churches that enjoy the daily mass, free days in the liturgical calendar of November are celebrated with requiem masses. The last Sunday of the liturgical year is November 23, when we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King in conjunction with the Feast of the Holy Sovereigns, and by November 30 the First Sunday of Advent will be upon us.

We express our congratulations to the Reid-Tadaki family for the baptism of their daughter, Hanako, at last Saturday's All Saints High Mass. Gratitude is also due to the altar guild, servers, and choir for their dedication demonstrated at All Saints and All Souls. The All Saints potluck party on Saturday night was a festive affair, and many were visibly moved by the dignity of the All Souls Requiem Mass on Sunday. We are fortunate the parish has the human resources to observe both of these days with their respective nuances. If you were not able to attend both feasts this year, mark your calendar for next year.

Beyond the parish, important diocesan news dropped this past weekend. The diocesan profile for the next bishop of Hawai'i has been published. It is a fast moving process with Monday, December 1, 2025, being the application deadline. In March 2026 the final slate of candidates will be announced by the Standing Committee, and on Saturday, May 16, there will be a convention to elect the new bishop. Many key diocesan dates and events for your calendar are announced in the profile.

Meanwhile, the Vatican recently published two excellent texts that are valuable for all Christians to ponder. The first document is Dilexi Te by Pope Leo XIV. It is specifically written to all Christians regarding our love for the poor. In this age of the widening gulf between the poor and the rich, this apostolic exhortation firmly clarifies Christianity's duty to the poor among us. The other document, Mater Populi Fidelis, was released this past Tuesday. If you desire to understand Mary's unique role within the faith, I commend the document.

Speaking of Mary, within a short month we will be celebrating the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, December 8 - a day full of joy that readies us for the wonders of Christmas. Join us for the High Mass at 7:00 pm.

Father Paul Lillie