Molokai History:
(taken from “Father Damien’s Letters”, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts SS.CC., Rome, 2017)
(taken from a letter from Fr. Damien to his Superior, Fr. Moseste Favens, ss.cc., from Kalawao, March 16, 1874)
(continued from June24th)
Good Father Andre came here to visit me. I showed him the plan for his church in Kaluaaha, 36 x 20, and he found that it was too small. He insisted that it should be 44 feet by 22, and he is only half satisfied that I’ll be the one building it. He understands as well as I do that I don’t have the time at all and perhaps not even the ability to build it as it should be. Therefore, I insist again that you send him one or two lay brothers.
If, however, you persist in your resolve that I should build it, since I gave my consent, I do not retract my word, and resign myself if he, too, will be reconciled to the fact that he will spend a few weeks replacing me at the hospital ministry. Please order him to do so.
In this case, please send to Pukoo [Puko’o, a landing on the south shore of the island of Moloka’i where steamers landed supplies], at the first opportunity, the materials herein indicated. Father Andre wants to have 5 windows on each side in Gothic style, the building being itself 44 feet long and 22 feet wide, 12 feet in height with bell tower, etc.
Please write to me before Easter so that I can prepare myself here before leaving for Kaluaaha, where I have to go the week after Easter to hear the confessions of Father Andre’s Christians at Kaluaaha.
(to be continued)
Blessings, pono and pule!
Fr. Brian Guerrini, ss.cc.
Priest
Molokai