Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

For Catholics, November marks the celebration of All Saints Day, a time to honor individuals who inspire others to live their faith. In Hawaii, this includes missionary saints like Fr. Damien and Mother Marianne. Another notable figure is Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, a 19th-century Italian bishop dedicated to serving marginalized migrants. During his canonization, Pope Francis praised Scalabrini for "giving thanks" for migrants.

At the conclusion of their annual November meeting, US bishops echoed this message by acknowledging the positive impact of migrants.

Pope Francis frequently highlights modern-day martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in service to vulnerable communities. In September, he expressed sorrow over the death of Juan López, a Catholic catechist and environmental activist in Honduras. López was killed for opposing destructive mining practices that led to forced migration. A month later, Pope Francis prayed for Fr. Marcelo Pérez from Chiapas, Mexico, who advocated against cartel violence affecting indigenous populations' homelands.

Both López and Pérez were killed after leading liturgical services in their communities. Their lives serve as reminders of the Greek word "martyr," meaning "witness." These individuals testify to a faith unafraid to challenge worldly powers and inspire care for people and the earth.

A new book focuses on how faith challenges everyone to protect the planet. According to a Global Witness report, at least 196 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2023; 49% were Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants. These figures highlight the risks faced by those protecting their homes and environment.

As people gather with loved ones during this holiday season, it is important to remember ancestors and martyrs who gave their lives for their faith. To learn more about how Catholic faith connects with these issues, readers are encouraged to explore resources on the Vatican’s website www.humandevelopment.va.

This Thanksgiving, Pope Francis's words during saint canonizations remind us: "Let’s give thanks for all the saints who work for justice, peace and care of our common home."