(taken from “Father Damien’s Letters”, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, Rome, 2017)
From a letter from Father Damien to his superior, Father Modeste Favens, ss.cc., Kaluaaha, June 21, 1874:
The doors and the windows still need to be put up. The altar is hewn with a nice pediment.
I hope that Father Andre will be happy with his church. At least I did my best. May it contribute to the conversion of the population.
Before going back to the leper-hospital, I am thinking of taking a few days off at our Fathers’ in Maui. I will go there this coming Saturday if the ocean is calm.
If His Excellency cannot come, please ask him to delegate Rev. Father Aubert Bouillon to bless the chapel. My calculation of the wood has been very exact, nothing too much, just enough.
I will send you later the amount of my expenses here. I would be grateful if you would send me the different bills you had to pay for this church, so that I can have an idea what it costs for a chapel of that kind. I am only asking you this for my personal instruction. Tomorrow morning I will get the information regarding the materials, which you told me are aboard the “Warwick”, which is now in the harbor.
I hope that the obedience will soon let me go back to my post in Kalawao.
Totally yours in the Sacred Hearts,
Brother Damien
Missionary Priest
I am thinking of leaving to Father Andre the repair of the 2 old houses unless you say otherwise.
Kaluaaha
May 12 780.00
May 19 freight 87.00
June 8 molds 25.75
June 19 paint 3.50
______
895.25 (896.25 ed.)
Blessings, pono and pule!
Fr. Brian Guerrini, ss.cc.
Priest
Molokai