Chabad of Hawaii will participate tomorrow in a global observance of the first anniversary of the militant attacks in Mumbai.

The massacre consisted of more than 10 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks organized by Islamic extremists from Pakistan in one of India's largest cities and financial hubs. At least 173 people were killed and hundreds more wounded.

Chabad will take part in a live international simulcast, "Mumbai Memorial Tribute: One Year Later Standing Strong," featuring greetings from rabbis Yehuda Krinsky and Shlomo Amar; and Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel.

The local observance will also include a memorial prayer by world-renowned cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, local greetings and a video tribute, "Mission of Love."

The event is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Chabad headquarters in the Ala Moana Hotel. For additional information, call 735-8161 or visit www.chabadofhawaii.com.

DON YOUR TARTANS FOR BLESSING AT ST. ANDREW

Members of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Andrew will pause Monday for an annual church tradition: the "Kirkin' (blessing) o' the Tartan."

Participants are welcome to proudly wear and display their tartans and kilts at the blessing and celebration.

The tradition dates back to a time in Scotland when the wearing of tartans was forbidden. Once a year, congregants would wear a hidden piece of the traditional plaid cloth, each with a distinctive design associated with the various clans, for a secret blessing in the church.

The distinctive local service, 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, will also feature bagpipers and a musical reception. For additional information, call 524-2822.

WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS INCLUDE EXHIBIT, CONCERT

World AIDS Day will be observed with ceremonies Tuesday at the Episcopal Parish of St. Clement.

The observance, one of a number locally and worldwide, will feature a photo exhibit, "Love Makes a Family," which will be on display throughout the day in the parish house, starting at 10 a.m.

A concert featuring the Honolulu Men's Chorus and the Kananiokeakua School of Hula is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the church, followed by a reception. For more information about the events, call 955-7745.

To learn about other World AIDS Day events, go to www.worldaidsdayhawaii.org; for volunteer opportunities, call 521-2437.

CENTURY-OLD ST. JOSEPH MISSION CLOSES DOORS

St. Joseph Mission in Kaumakani, Kaua'i, celebrated its last Mass on Oct. 10, marking the closure of the 96-year-old "plantation parish."

The mission, according to the Hawaii Catholic Herald, is an inconspicuous building that had once been a pool hall. Located in a shopping center, it served the sugar plantation town of Kaumakani for several decades.

Gay & Robinson Inc. owns the building; last month, the company closed its sugar operation after 119 years. The mission's closure was at the discretion of the pastor.

For the past 12 years, a regular 5:30 p.m. Saturday vigil service was held at the church.