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St. Philomena Catholic Church in Kalawao
 
St. Philomena Catholic Church, Kalawao.
NPS archives.
St. Philomena Catholic Church, Kalawao.
 

A small wooden building was being used for Catholic church services when Father Damien arrived at Kalawao in 1873. He and patient helpers enlarged the church twice. Brother Joseph Dutton completed the work after Damien's death in 1889.

This historic church's breathtaking physical setting and nearby graveyards illustrate both the tragedy and the peace of Kalawao.

 
Photograph of St Philomena Church.

Front entrance to St. Philomena Catholic Church.

 
St. Philomena Church.
NPS photo.
St. Philomena Church.
The St. Philomena Catholic Church with a view of the older church on the near right side.
 
Photo of the decorative window above the entry of the old section of the Church.

The decorative window above the entry of the old section of the Church.

 
Photo of the interior of St. Philomena Catholic Chruch.

Click here to browse a page of 360 degree panoramas, including a view of this church interior.
Photo of Father Damien statue.
Father Damien,
Joseph de Veuster
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Damien Statue  

Did You Know?
On April 15, 1969, exactly 80 years after his death, a statue of Father Damien was unveiled in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. An identical statue can also be found in front of Hawaii's State Capitol in Honolulu.

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Last Updated: April 18, 2008 at 04:10 EST