‘My grace is enough for you’
St. Damien Catholic Parish in central Molokai includes the mission churches of St. Vincent Ferrer of Maunaloa town to the west of the island, and the churches which St. Damien de Veuster himself built — St. Joseph Church at Kamalo and Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church at Kaluaaha to the east. I enjoy my work in the parish office as I get to learn a lot about the parish, people and places.
There are many memorable events that have taken place on Molokai since my arrival here six years ago. Back in 2010, I remember receiving a phone call at night saying that our main church, St. Sophia’s in Kaunakakai, was on fire. In turn, I called the pastor, Sacred Hearts Father Clyde Guerreiro to alert him. It was a shock to have lost the whole church. A few months later on Holy Thursday morning, I received another phone call informing me that the cross on top the steeple of St. Joseph’s Church was missing. Once again, I relayed the message to Father Clyde who later found that the high winds had blown it down and laid it by the feet of St. Damien’s statue.
Being involved in the lives of the people here has just drawn me closer to them. Although I am from the Big Island, Hilo, Molokai is like my home. Here I am active in liturgy preparations, funerals and baptisms, as well as with the secular branch of the Sacred Hearts. There is always something new to be learned and to share.
Last weekend St. Damien of Molokai Church celebrated its first double celebration of life for two long-time parishioners that had passed away. John J. Mondoy was born on Jan. 31, 1930, and was a staunch pillar of the church. Nicknamed “The Music Man of Molokai,” he used to play music for Mass until he retired in 2009. He married Joyce 30 years ago. I helped prepare the church for the wake, visitation and rosary on Friday, and Saturday’s visitation and Mass. The church was filled with the most beautiful music, a tribute to his legacy as a musician and as one devoted to the Lord and all God’s people in this corner of paradise. His son Robert played the piano accompanied by his brothers and sister on other instruments. It is hard to express how deeply spiritual, loving and moving the celebrations were.
I have always liked the Scripture verse, “My grace is enough for you.” It’s God’s grace that is the only way for me. When my well goes dry, whenever there is a struggle, when times are hard, I have always been able to maintain my happiness because I am surrounded by many faith-filled people. I really feel blessed knowing that God’s grace will always pull us through whatever challenges life presents to us.
Sacred Hearts Sister Jessie Kai has been professed 36 years. She resides with the Molokai community of Sacred Hearts Sisters in Kaunakakai and is active in the life of the church there.
