Kalaupapa

Once in a Century

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Community Contributed
By Fr Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

The chatter of excited voices was momentarily hushed, then broke into loud cheers and applause as he entered McVeigh Hall, weighed down by numerous leis and topped by a colorful hat. The setting compared with the aftermath of the super bowl when Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs was showered with accolades. It was like those die-hard fans greeting the second coming of King Elvis. It was reminiscent of the president entering the Hall of Congress prepared to give the State of the Union Address. He took his seat at the head table.…

Happy Birthday, St. Marianne

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

Community Contributed
By Fr. Pat Killilea ss.cc., St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa
Glory be to God, Mokulele Flight 999 touched down and taxied to a stop at Kalaupapa Airport only a few minutes behind schedule. We had neglected to lay down the red carpet, but who needs that when there is a warm welcome awaiting. Down the steps came Msgr. Robert Sarno, his golden dome glowing in the morning light. He was accompanied by Dr. Maria DeVera, Sisters Joan Souza, Davilyn Chick and Margaret Burnett, James Jackson, and Fathers Andrew Baranski and Paul Houlis. They received a standing ovation on arrival at Terminal 1.…

Dutton on the Path to Sainthood

Wednesday, January 10th, 2024

Molokai is one step closer to having its third Catholic saint. Joseph Dutton, who served in Kalaupapa for 44 years, will be submitted to the Vatican for canonization consideration on Jan. 21. If approved, Dutton would join St. Damien and St. Marianne Cope as Catholic saints serving Hansen’s disease patients exiled in Kalaupapa.

A formal cause of canonization for Dutton was opened by the Diocese of Honolulu in May of 2022. Now, the nearly 2,000 pages of evidence gathered since then will be reviewed by the Church. Dutton needs proof of one miracle after his death to be named as “Blessed,” which is one step before sainthood.…

Kalaupapa Month

Thursday, January 4th, 2024

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa News Release

January is Kalaupapa Month.

Two years ago, Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa proposed designating January as Kalaupapa Month to the Hawaii State Legislature which gave the bill unanimous approval. Governor David Ige signed the legislation into law.

Ka ‘Ohana President Charmaine Woodward, whose great-grandparents are buried at Kalaupapa, sees Kalaupapa Month as a “time of remembrance and celebration — it is the time we celebrate their lives, their legacy, and their love. By overcoming adversity, the people of Kalaupapa guide us on how to traverse difficult situations by portraying characteristics of unconditional love, true faith, and family.”…

The New Recruits

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

Community Contributed 

Father Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

“There is a season for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens,” Ecclesiastes 3.

It was the time for police recruitment in a small town and the story goes that the police sergeant was in the process of interviewing a candidate for a position in the town police department. 

He asked the candidate, “if you had to arrest your wife for reckless speeding, what would you do?” 

The applicant replied, “I would call for backup, Sir.” 

The sergeant followed up with, “what’s your biggest weakness?” 

The applicant replied, “my principal weakness is my problem with reality.…

Kalaupapa Barge Day

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Father Pat Killilea, St Francis Church, Kalaupapa

It was Saturday morning and I was enjoying my extra hour of rest since Saturday Mass is celebrated at 7 a.m. rather than at the usual weekday hour of 6 a.m. Suddenly, I was awakened by a couple of really loud and enthusiastic “meows” and when this did not receive the intended response from me, Titus The Tiger, the number two of my seven cats, launched his plump body onto my bed. Titus had never done this previously, even though I often permit him and Bailey, my number one cat, to stay in the house overnight.…