Maria Lanakila: Our History

Our History

A Brief History...

Maria Lanakila, which means Our Lady of Victory, is located in downtown Lahaina, which is the Cradle of Faith on the island of Maui. The Church was established in 1846 by Father Aubert of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Mary and Jesus. It was officially dedicated on September 8, 1858.

On May 4, 1873, the stone church that stands today was completed under Father Leonore. This structure replaced the old adobe building and grass hut chapels that originally served the community of Maria Lanakila.

In 1918, Fr. Bruno renewed the original walls of Maria Lanakila Church, making improvements and enlargements to the original stone structure. Under Father Rudolph, it was renovated further, including the cleaning and rehanging of the Church's paintings. These paintings bear some mystery, and are thought to be the gift of some Alii, but no one knows for sure. They were possibly gifts from King Kalakaua or his sister, Queen Liliuokalani.

The bells of Maria Lanakila have a story of their own. The original set of bells never made it to Lahaina, as they were lost in South America on their way from France. The second set of bells, which were inscribed with the name of Maria Lanakila, made it as far as Hilo, and remained there. The third set of bells finally made it, and are the ones that call us to Mass today.

Thank you, God

25 Nov, 2023

Thank you, God, for the flowers in the fields, the birds of the air, our family and friends far and near. Open my eyes to see the beauty all around me and help me to carry the light and joy of the Risen Christ in my heart all yearlong. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

Gratitude

25 Nov, 2023

Faith Focus for the Week

November 24, 2023

25 Nov, 2023

Lk 19:45-48 These merchants and money lenders that Jesus finds in the temple are gouging the poor. Jesus exerts his authority by driving them out and then takes his rightful place as teacher. This infuriates the Jewish leaders, but the people listen to his every word. You cleansed the temple to take your rightful seat as the one true teacher. God set this place for you, and you willingly stepped into it fully aware of the consequences. Thank you for your courage and commitment to God’s will. St. Dung-Lac and companions, pray for us. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

The logic of the Gospel

25 Nov, 2023

“Worldly logic is based on ambition, competition, it fights using the weapons of fear, extortion, and the manipulation of consciences. On the other hand, the logic of the Gospel, that is, the logic of Jesus, is expressed in humility and gratuitousness. It is silently but effectively affirmed with the strength of truth. The kingdoms of this world at times are sustained by arrogance, rivalries, and oppression; the reign of Christ is a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.” — Pope Francis Reflection : Would you say your logic — the way you make sense of things — more closely follows worldly logic or Jesus’ logic? What helps you believe and follow the truth of Christ, the king of justice, love, and peace? What gets in your way of overcoming fear, manipulation, or ambition as typical tactics for “getting ahead” in life? This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.