Molokai History:
(from “Pioneers of the Faith: History of the Catholic Mission in Hawaii, 1827-1940” by Robert Schoofs, SS.CC., Published by Louis Boeynaems, SS.CC., Honolulu, HI, 1978)
In the course of the 19th century up to 1930, Molokai was designated by names that translated its economic status, such as “The Lonely Island”, or “The Forgotten Island”. But the one that expresses best its atmosphere and its moods is the one by which it is known today, “The Friendly Isle”.
Though Molokai had to wait long for a resident priest of its own, nevertheless the Catholic faith had gotten a firm foothold on the island much earlier, possibly in the late 1830’s, but probably in the early 1840’s. We know from the diary of Sacred Hearts Brother-Catechist Calixte Lecomte, SS.CC. that several of Father Bachelot’s, SS.CC. (came to the Sandwich Islands in 1827) disciples found their way to Molokai, probably to flee the persecution of Catholics by Protestants and the Government in Honolulu. Outstanding among them was the lay catechist, Dennis. The Calvinists (Protestants) probably wanted him to embrace their faith and join the ranks of their proselytes. They tied his hands so tightly that the ties cut into his flesh and left their marks for weeks. Then they beat him until he spat blood. But Dennis’ constancy defeated their cunning and their cruelty. Through it all they heard him protest: “If you kill my body, my soul goes to heaven.” At the sight of blood the frightened assailants released their victim.
A few days later Dennis dispatched one of his trusted helpers to the Honolulu Catholic Mission with a full account of the persecution in which even the administrative authorities were implicated, and with the request that Bishop-elect Maigret send a priest to Molokai as soon as feasible.
Mahalo nui & peace,
Fr. Brian, ss.cc.
Priest
Molokai