Kalaupapa resident the last living patient-member of Siloama Church By Valerie Monson Special to the Herald The death of Nancy Chang Talino earlier this year at the age of 93 not only draped a veil of sadness over her family and many friends, it marked a solemn juncture for the Protestant churches of Kalaupapa. “Nancy […]
‘More than just young at heart’
John Arruda, 95, accepted and overcame the heavy price of Hansen’s disease to live a long, fulfilling life By Valerie Monson Special to the Hawaii Catholic Herald From a bench on the old sampan idling in the bay, John Arruda stared at what was about to become his new home: the Kalaupapa peninsula. It was […]
Kalaupapa: How to get there today
By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald You may know about St. Damien and St. Marianne. And you may know about Kalaupapa and its Hansen’s disease settlement where they dedicated their lives to serving those forcibly sent into isolation because of their disease. But do you know how to get to this holy and historic place? […]
Young commentary: Inspiration and service: my trip to Kalaupapa
By Cheyenne Yap Special to the Herald “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13) During the first quarter of my senior year in high school, I felt lost. I cried out to Jesus for […]
Pretty face, bright eyes: The third in her family sent to Kalaupapa, Elizabeth Kahihikolo lived there 62 years
By Valerie Monson Special to the Herald KALAUPAPA — Nearly 30 years ago during my first visit to Kalaupapa, I walked by the Kalaupapa Hospital. A woman’s voice unexpectedly called out: “Who are you?” I looked up at the window and saw a pretty face with bright eyes and a big smile behind the screen. […]
Creating voice: Students inspired by Kalaupapa
By Kanoe Turner Special to the Herald Writing does not come easily for everyone. Being able to express yourself on paper so that your readers can feel, taste and smell what you are creating in words, but also to generate a voice that is so powerful it becomes real, is especially difficult for young and […]
Kalaupapa letter: Rudely awakened by a 2 a.m. alarm: This is not a drill
By Father Patrick Killilea, SSCC Hawaii Catholic Herald I awoke to the jarring blare of the settlement alarm siren. I got out of bed saying to myself, “Oh no! Not a tsunami!” Then as I quickly got into some clothing and shoes, I thought, if this is not a tsunami, it is one heck […]
Grant assists Kalaupapa rare photos project
The Hawaii Council for the Humanities has awarded the U.S. Province of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts a $5,000 “preservation and access grant” for a project identifying Kalaupapa residents in a century-old collection of more than 600 photographic glass plate negatives in the religious order’s archives.
Kalaupapa love story
Several years ago, Jimmy Brede sat in the shade outside Leahi Hospital on Oahu waiting for the van to drive up. When it did, the door opened and out came his wife, Nancy.
“There she is!” Jimmy sang out as if it was the first time he’d laid eyes on her. “She’s going to be 87, but she’s still my Sweet Sixteen.”
God bless you, Edwin Lelepali
KALAUPAPA – “God bless.” Whether he was signing a handwritten letter, wrapping up a conversation or seeing you off at the airport, those two words were how Kalaupapa resident Edwin Lelepali bid farewell. He rarely said goodbye. He left you with “God bless.”