By Almie Lonzaga
Special to the Herald
Holy Rosary Church in Paia, Maui, formally opened its yearlong centennial celebration Feb. 14 with its inaugural centennial banquet, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the church’s 1926 groundbreaking.
The evening started with a special Mass celebrated by Father William Kunisch, pastor of St. Theresa Church in Kihei, who offered prayers of thanksgiving for the people who built, nurtured and sustained the parish over the last century. His message invited the community to enter the centennial year with gratitude for the past and renewed commitment for the years ahead.
Holy Rosary’s former and current pastors — Father Gary Colton and Father Jose Macoy, respectively — concelebrated the Mass, joined by Deacon Christopher Ribucan and Deacon Patrick Constantino. Parishioners enjoyed reconnecting with them and recalling the ministries, milestones and traditions that continue to enrich parish life today.
Equally moving was the presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, whose dedication to Catholic education shaped the lives of many parish families. Their return rekindled warm memories of the Holy Rosary elementary school, which they operated from its opening in 1939 until its closing in 1962.
Following the liturgy, over 200 people came together for the banquet, filling the church grounds with a warm spirit of belonging. Families representing multiple generations shared stories, memories and reflections on how Holy Rosary has shaped their lives and the wider Paia community.
The celebration also welcomed members from other Catholic parishes in the Maui-Lanai Vicariate, whose presence demonstrated the unity of the local church and strengthened the bonds of fellowship across the islands.
Guests enjoyed bountiful pupus and a beautifully prepared buffet meal. The parish offers sincere gratitude to Chef Crisanto Gutierrez, who with his team brought skill, thoughtfulness and generosity to make the meal a memorable centerpiece of the evening.
Live music further enriched the atmosphere with a spirit of celebration. Parishioners and guests laughed, exchanged stories, reconnected with old friends and reflected on the many blessings Holy Rosary has received over the past century. Many shared their appreciation for the evening, noting how well the event was organized, how delicious the dinner was, and how thoughtful details made the celebration feel especially memorable.
With grateful hearts
The centennial banquet’s success was made possible through the support of Holy Rosary’s major sponsors: Mahi Pono, The Grassmaster, Kekuhaupi‘o and Cindy Akana, and Diamond B Ranch. Their generosity helped create a beautiful and meaningful start to this once-in-a-century celebration, and the parish is deeply grateful.
The parish also extends heartfelt appreciation to banquet chairman Vergel Lonzaga, whose leadership and dedication ensured a smooth and well-organized event. His work brought together many hands and hearts in service to the parish.
Holy Rosary is also grateful for the Centennial Committee and for the many volunteers whose planning, setup, decor, hospitality and cleanup made the celebration possible. Special thanks are also extended to the volunteer servers, including groups from Job Corps and the Baldwin High School Key Club. Their gracious service, professionalism and willingness to assist contributed greatly to the warm hospitality experienced by all who attended.
As Holy Rosary Church continues its centennial year, “A Century of Faithfulness Through Mary’s Fullness of Grace,” the inaugural centennial banquet marked a joyful and inspiring beginning — reflecting the parish’s rich history and the countless individuals whose faith, sacrifice and love have shaped the parish over the past 100 years. A schedule of forthcoming centennial events can be found at www.holyrosarypaia.org.
Above: Parishioners from across the Maui-Lanai Vicariate filled Holy Rosary Church in Paia, Maui, for a special Mass Feb. 14 before a banquet that inaugurated the parish’s centennial celebration. (Courtesy Holy Rosary Church)