St. Joseph Mission in Kaupo, Maui — the most remote Catholic church on Maui — celebrated its Christmas Mass on Nov. 30, due to its unique Mass schedule.
Because Mass is only celebrated on the fifth Sunday of the month, meaning no Mass in December, the parish held its Christmas celebration last month featuring beautiful decor and a beautiful liturgy. Faithful traveled many miles — from Hana, Waihee, Upcountry and other island locales.
St. Joseph Mission was established in 1862, and the church property was donated many years ago to the Kaupo Catholic community by the family of Ben and Pearl Perry. Ben Perry is the chairperson of the Friends of St. Joseph-Kaupo, credited with guiding efforts to preserve the integrity, history and honor of the mission and its cemetery grounds. — Marvy Marciel Gibbs
Courtesy Patrick Ka‘eo Ornellas