Last June, I wrote a story about how the Diocese of Hawaii undertook a substantial strategic plan under the direction of its new bishop Larry Silva. Then vicar general, Father Marc Alexander, spearheaded the undertaking.
Over the course a number of telephone conversations, I got to know Marc Alexander. He is an impressive guy. His biography can be found here: Marc R. Alexander
News today that Marc Alexander has decided to leave the priesthood after 25 years and accept an appointment by Hawaii's governor to head-up homelessness issues comes as a shock to his bishop, and no doubt, to many Catholics.
At the same time, Marc Alexander is quoted as saying that it is "time to answer a call in a different direction."
It is heartening to know that someone of Marc Alexander's compassion and capability is now in a position to affect the lives of the homeless in a way he couldn't as a priest.