By Marie Ho
Special to the Herald
On Aug. 1, 2026, this tiny church in Honokaa, Hawaii, will have faithfully served its devoted community for an amazing 100 years.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church was not the first Catholic Church in Honokaa, but rather its third; however, it is the rock that has anchored this community.
Plans to celebrate this blessed occasion with the theme “Celebrating With Gratitude” are in the works.
The church has been buzzing with events leading up to this celebration. Preparations kicked off in 2021 when the church community honored its past priests, nuns and leaders with a special “launching” luncheon which included a gallery display of the church’s history, as well as a slide show of parish and historical events.
A lavish pancake breakfast for parishioners was held on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb. 8. Sticking with the theme of gratitude, the event was free to the church community in return for its amazing generosity over the years.
The parish will also be participating in the annual Honokaa Western Week parade on May 16, creating a float which will promote the centennial event as well as showcase the rich cultural identity of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The parish’s annual fundraiser, the Holy Ghost Feast, will take place June 7. The event celebrates the community’s rich Portuguese heritage and will also feature many contributions from an ever-growing variety of ethnicities.
These events will lead up to the centennial celebration, “Celebrating With Gratitude,” to be held on Aug. 1. Bishop Larry Silva will preside at a concelebrated Mass; also planned are a free meal with celebrated guests, historical displays and entertainment.
This little parish community with the big heart plans to keep serving with gratitude for at least another 100 years.
Above: Our Lady of Lourdes Church is marking its centennial with special events leading up to the Aug. 1 anniversary. (Courtesy photo)