Rev. Sol Kalu, Resident Minister
With the departure of Rev. Barbara Brennan effective July 31, 2024, Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani has assigned Rev. Sol Kalu to be Resident Minister of Windward Buddhist Temple effective August 1, 2024. We extend our mahalo to Rev. Barbara for her service and friendship and wish her much happiness.
There are no Sunday services during the month of August. Rev. Kalu will spend that time acclimating with his office and facilities and do some initial work and orientation with WBT officers. Rev. Kalu's will officiate his first service at WBT and share a Dharma talk on September 1, 2024. Please welcome Rev. Kalu to the WBT Ohana (Sangha).
Rev. Sol Kalu is from the Republic of the Philippines. In 1980, after receiving his BS in nursing in the Philippines, he served as a nurse in the U.S. for many years, specializing in dialysis.
On a visit to Kyoto, Rev. Kalu encountered the Jodo Shinshu Teachings and eventually followed the call to become a Buddhist minister. He received Tokudo ordination in 2007 and Kyoshi ordination in 2010.
He served two years at the Hawaii Betsuin, which was followed by an assignment to Makawao Hongwanji in 2012. His last assignment was at the Hawaii Betsuin and as the oversee minister of Mililani Hongwanji.
He has a faciity for languages, speaks Japanese, and enjoys writing kanji (Japanese characters). His other interests include snorkeling, martial arts, science, and travel.
Rev. Kalu was our guest Dharma Talk speaker for our Nirvana Day and Pet Remembrance Service in February 2020.