Molokai History:
[From Hawaii Catholic Herald, March 3, 1990]
Topside refers to the entire island with exception of the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula which juts into the ocean at the base of Molokai’s towering north shore cliffs. The home of the settlement for Hansen’s disease patients made famous by Father Damien. Kalaupapa is served by St. Francis Church and Sacred Hearts priest Father Nobincio Fernandez.
The history of St. Theresa goes back to the early 1940’s when Father John-Mary Systermans, SS.CC., pastor of Sacred Heart Church, which served Hoolehua, Maunaloa, Kualapuu and Kalae, began regular weekly liturgies in the Kualapuu Clubhouse. Many of the Molokai Catholics who grew up on the Del Monte plantation (or “CPC” as it was then called which stood for California Packing Corporation) recall setting up the clubhouse for Father John.
[……… to be continued]
Blessings! Pono! and Pule!
Fr. Brian Guerrini, ss.cc.
Priest
Molokai