By Almie Lonzaga
Special to the Herald
With prayerful reflection and deep gratitude, the Holy Rosary Church community in Paia, Maui, gathered Feb. 2 to mark a historic milestone — the opening of a time capsule sealed 100 years ago during the laying of the church’s cornerstone.
Held on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the ceremony served as a remembrance of the past and a renewed commitment to the future, honoring the faith, sacrifice and hope of those who built the sacred space a century ago.
Called to be light
In his reflection after the time capsule was opened, Msgr. Terrence Watanabe — vicar forane for the Maui-Lanai Vicariate and pastor of St. Anthony Church in Wailuku — reminded attendees of the spiritual significance of the day.
He noted that the feast of the Presentation of the Lord was known as Candlemas, a celebration proclaiming Christ as the light of the world. That light, he said, is not only something we receive but something we are called to embody.
Msgr. Watanabe said the people who came before clearly understood this call — “to truly be light to the world.” Their faith, he said, was lived out in daily care, steadfast support and faithful stewardship of Holy Rosary.
Revealing the past
The contents of the time capsule offered a glimpse into the lives, sacrifices and hopes of Holy Rosary’s founders.
Among the most moving discoveries was a list of parishioners who contributed financially to the construction of the church. The amounts varied — some as modest as $1, others as generous as $100 — yet together they testified to a shared commitment rooted not in wealth, but in faith and love for the church.
Also found was a stack of written pledges in which people committed to giving money over a specified period of time to help complete the church — parishioners at the Feb. 2 ceremony recognized some of the last names.
Additional items preserved in the capsule included a Maui News magazine; coins from many nations; a Korean booklet; and church documents that recorded the organization and faith life of the parish.
Community cornerstone
In his message marking the occasion, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. reflected on the enduring role that Holy Rosary has played in Paia and beyond.
”This place has long provided a place for worship, for reflection, and special gathering during life’s most meaningful moments,” he said. Through its presence and service, the church has fostered shared values that strengthen families and neighborhoods, “especially in a small neighborhood like Paia.”
The mayor also emphasized the stabilizing influence of faith-rooted institutions, particularly in times of change — they “offer us stability, continuity and the care that we achieve and install the change that we’re going through.”
The opening of the time capsule, Bissen noted, challenges the community “to be thoughtful stewards of our community and mindful of our future generations, who one day (will) look back on what we have left behind.”
”I extend a deep appreciation to the leadership, the clergy, the congregation for carrying forward the responsibility with clear dedication,” he said.
Adding to the significance of the day was a Maui County Council proclamation, presented by Councilmember Nohe U‘u-Hodgins and signed by all councilmembers. The proclamation formally recognized the centennial of Holy Rosary Church and honored its enduring impact on the community. It mentioned that Holy Rosary “has been a place where faith has been nurtured, and generations have found comfort, hope, and belonging. … This milestone honors a legacy rooted in love, faith, and steadfast commitment that continues to inspire and uplift the community.”
Looking ahead
The opening of the time capsule marked the beginning of a yearlong centennial celebration honoring Holy Rosary’s history, celebrating its present vitality and preparing for the future. Planned events will culminate with the anniversary of the dedication of the church altar on Feb. 20, 2027, recalling the first Mass celebrated within its walls.
For more information on the contents of the time capsule and the events of the centennial celebration, visit www.holyrosarypaia.org.
Above: Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. attended the time capsule opening and commented on the legacy of Holy Rosary Church, calling it an important part of the Paia community. (Courtesy photo)