Dennis & Mary Kelly Admiring God's Handiwork At Waimea Canyon, Kauai

St. William Catholic Church in Hanalei, Kauai

On our latest vacation we found an extraordinary Church you must come and visit if you ever get the chance. Where do you find a Church that allows you to attend Mass and commune with nature all at the same time?

St. William's Catholic Church holds one Mass a week at its location in Hanalei, Kauai on the Hawaiian islands at 9am every Sunday. Father Ramelo Somera is the usual celebrant. He's a very expressive Priest who ad libs a most marvelous Homily. His facial expessions and comedic timing make him an effective communicator.

But what makes Mass so special here is the open air Church structure. As you can see from the photograph, the church has sliding doors on both sides. This allows for the trade winds to naturally cool the place (average temps between 75-85). The combination of the liturgical service (exceptional Hawaiian-influenced music ministry, etc.), the trade wind breeze and the sound of birds and other flora and fauna create an overwhelming assault of holiness on the senses and demonstrates God's bountiful blessings to all who attend.

At today's Mass most who filled the pews were vacationers from the mainland. We were all treated to Christ's banquet in one of the most breathtaking settings on the planet.

St. William's is part of St. Catherine Parish in Kapaa. St. Catherine has a special request for travelers: a donation to the "adopt-a-student" program. Islanders unable to send their kids to Catholic school are able to get scholarships thanks to the generosity of others, mostly visitors. If you can help, please join me in sending what you can to St. Catherine School, PO Box 1832, Kapaa, HI 96746.

Mahalo, Peace & Blessings!

Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kalaheo, Kauai

The perfect place for a quick prayer stop on the way to Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Hawaiian Islands).