Molokai - Fr. Damien

The Leper Colony at Kalaupapa seen from topside. Priests at St. Joseph Church

February 14th - Valentine's day, the priests in the Maui Vicariate which includes the Islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai, rode the ferry from Lahaina, Maui to Kanaukakai, Molokai at 7:30am. It was a lovely and beautiful day with humback whales leaping out of the water as we made our way to Molokai. We were on a day of pilgrimage to the sites when Fr. Damien built four churches during his time there in 1873. He lived on Molokai ministering to the lepers at Kalawao, and builded churches on the Island, besides establishing the leper colony at Kalaupapa. He contacted leprosy and died there on May 10, 1889 after 16 years on the Island. This is a statue of Fr. Damien located at St. Joseph parish which he established at Kamola.

Immaculee Ilibagiza

Immaculee Ilibagiza visited St. Anthony parish on January 13th and spoke to the parishioners and people here on Maui. She told her story of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and her conversion of faith; a journey of suffering, death, and forgiveness. She wrote her story in three weeks, put it aside for four years. It was through the efforts of Dr. Wayne Dyer who was responsible to have her book published: Left to Tell. Wayne introduced her and his close relationship to her during these past years. Wayne lives here on Maui and has appeared on public television. I'm reading his latest book: Change your Thoughts, Change your Life; Living the Wisdom of the Tao. I highly recommend this inspiring book where Wayne reflects on the wisdom of Lao-Tzu - Tao Te Ching. As you read this book which is very Christian in its outlook and practice. Imagine this 2,500-year work of Lao-tzu is very relevant today and will transform our lives. May this book inspire you as we enter this season of Lent on February 6th.

Christmas Bazaar

Boy scouts washing cars during the bazaar and ladies of the parish selling their crafts and food

Valerie Standing, chair of the Christmas bazaar, with Fr. Roland at Marian Hall during the festival on December lst. Many of the parishioners made crafts to be sold during the bazaar.