By Almie Lonzaga
Special to the Herald
Holy Rosary Church in Paia, Maui, is honored to commemorate a century of rich history and significant milestones, which have shaped its legacy as a spiritual haven for the community.
The journey of the present location of Holy Rosary Church began on Jan. 24, 1926, with the placement of the cornerstone for the new church. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a dedicated effort to establish a larger place of worship that would serve the faithful for generations to come.
Bishop Stephen Alencastre led a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 14 of the same year, symbolizing the commitment and dedication of the church’s leaders and congregation to create a sacred space for worship and community gatherings. The construction was overseen by Sacred Hearts Father Jules Verhaeghe. (The original structure was built by Sacred Hearts Father James Beissel in the 1880s, but a growing population resulted in the need for a new church.)
Holy Rosary Church was dedicated on Feb. 20, 1927, and blessed by Bishop Alencastre. This solemn event marked the official opening of the church, which became a cornerstone of the community’s spiritual life. The church’s dedication was a testament to the faith and perseverance of its builders and congregation, who worked tirelessly to bring their vision to fruition.
In celebration of the church’s 50th anniversary, a golden jubilee was held on Oct. 7, 1976. The occasion was marked by the blessing of the 15 mysteries of the rosary, which were displayed at the front of the church. A St. Damien memorial statue was also blessed, further enhancing the church’s spiritual significance and historical legacy.
Schedule of events
As Holy Rosary Church approaches its centennial celebration, a series of events have been planned to commemorate the milestone. The theme for the celebration is “A Century of Faithfulness through Mary’s Fullness of Grace.”
- Feb. 2: Opening of time capsule, 10 a.m.
- Feb. 14 (anniversary of the groundbreaking ceremony): Formal inauguration of the celebration following the 5 p.m. Saturday anticipated Mass
- April 17: Movie night at Holy Rosary, 6-9 p.m.
- Aug. 15: Golf tournament at The Dunes at Maui Lani
- Oct. 10: Observation of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary — potluck dinner after 5 p.m. Saturday anticipated Mass
- December: “Christmas in Paia,” featuring food, entertainment and other activities
The celebration culminates on Feb. 20, 2027, with the commemoration of the dedication of the church and a formal dinner on parish grounds following the 5 p.m. Saturday anticipated Mass.
Holy Rosary Church continues to stand as a testament to faith, community and history; its enduring presence serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of those who built and maintained it over the years. As the church looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide a place of worship, reflection and community for all who seek solace and spiritual nourishment.
For more information, contact the Holy Rosary Church office or visit www.holyrosarypaia.org.
Almie Lonzaga is chairman of Holy Rosary Church’s centennial celebration.
Above: The cornerstone for the current location of Holy Rosary Church in Paia, Maui, was placed Jan. 24, 1926, with groundbreaking a month later. (Courtesy photo)