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Molokai, one of the least inhabited Hawaiian islands (population 7000), is an island with much natural beauty and a unique spirituality. Molokai served as home for sixteen years, to Father Damien, a 19th century Sacred Hearts priest from Belgium, who volunteered to care for the Hansen disease (leprosy) patients at Kalawao, on the desolate Kalaupapa peninsula of Molokai. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Father Damien, Saint Damien of Molokai, Apostle to the Patients. Although his title is now “Saint Damien”, for the people of Molokai and for all those who find inspiration in his story or who walk in his steps this beloved man remains “Father Damien.”

In his ministry on Molokai, Father Damien bandaged and comforted the leprosy patients; built hospitals, houses, chapels and coffins; organized picnics; educated the children; and ministered to the patient’s spiritual needs. In his work with the patients who had been exiled to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula, Father Damien reformed a settlement known for its lawlessness, filth and despair, into a community of individual respect, love and laughter. Father Damien built a community of love and hope through his teaching and living Jesus Christ’s gospel message of unconditional love. Following Father Damien’s death in 1889, his work among the patients was continued by Mother Marianne Cope, OSF (canonized Saint Marianne in 2012) and by Brother Dutton, a US civil war veteran.

For those wishing to visit Kalaupapa, pleate note that there are NO tours being offered at this time and entry to the site requires a permit. Find out more information here.

If you would like to register with our parish community, you can download the Parish Registration form by clicking on this link, print it, complete it and deposit your registration form in the safe at St. Damien Church (inside wooden doors to the left of candle holders) or place in the Offertory Basket at Mass at any of our churches (Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, St. Damien or St. Vincent Ferrer).

This parish community is unique in many ways. It has four church buildings to maintain: the St. Damien Church in Kaunakakai, Our Lady of Seven Sorrows on the east side of the island, St. Joseph in Kamalo and St. Vincent Ferrer in Maunaloa. Our parish community is very small and most are on fixed incomes. You can help our parish community by sending in your tax deductible donation today. You can make your donation here via the Pay Pal button (you do not need a Pay Pal account to do so) or donate by way of a check made payable to: St. Damien Parish of Molokai and mail it to:

St. Damien Parish of Molokai
P.O. Box 1948
Kaunakakai, HI 96748

We thank you for your support!