Saint Damien Church

Saint Damien Church, also known as Saint Joseph Church, is a historic Kamalo mission on Molokai's south shore, built by Father Damien in 1876 and still cared for as a quiet place of faith.

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Saint Damien Church, Molokai

Saint Damien Church, formerly known as Saint Joseph's Church or Father Damien Church, is located in Kamalo on Molokai's south shore. St. Damien was a Belgian Catholic missionary priest who served the people of Molokai, especially people who were infected with Hansen's disease or leprosy and had to live in exile on Molokai's isolated Kalaupapa peninsula between the years 1866 and 1969. This is where St. Damien served and nurtured his ministry. Later, he contracted the disease himself and passed away in 1889.

Damien built four churches on Molokai, two of which are still standing today. In 1874, he built Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church in Kalua'aha. Two years later, in 1876, he built St. Joseph Church in Kamalo, the second oldest church on the island. A statue of St. Damien stands next to the church, which is often adorned with flower leis in honor of him. The door to the church is usually closed but not locked, so people can visit the inside of it as well. The church is recognized as a Hawaii Register of Historic Places site.

Key Features

Historic Catholic mission church in Kamalo on Molokai's south shore
Built by Father Damien in 1876
Also known as Saint Joseph Church
One of two surviving Molokai churches connected with Father Damien's building work
Located near Kamehameha V Highway / Highway 450 around mile marker 11
Recognized as a Hawaii Register of Historic Places site
Father Damien statue stands near the church
Small cemetery, church sign, simple interior and quiet grounds
The door is often closed but not locked
Visitors should keep voices low and avoid interrupting parish use

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Saint Damien Church located?

Saint Damien Church, also known as Saint Joseph Church, is in Kamalo on Molokai's south shore, near Highway 450 around mile marker 11.

When was Saint Damien Church built?

Saint Joseph Church in Kamalo was built in 1876 by Father Damien.

Is this church also called Saint Joseph Church?

Yes. The Kamalo church is commonly known as Saint Joseph Church, Father Damien Church or Saint Damien Church.

Can visitors go inside Saint Damien Church?

The door is often closed but not locked. Visitors should follow posted signs, keep the visit quiet and avoid interrupting parish use.

Why is Saint Damien Church important?

The church helps tell the story of Father Damien's ministry on topside Molokai, along with his better-known service at Kalaupapa.