Pilgrimages to Kalaupapa, Hawaii's Historic Leprosy Refuge, Await Resumption Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

The secluded peninsula, once home to Saints Damien and Marianne who cared for leprosy patients, is now a pilgrimage site with its future uncertain as the last patients age.

• Kalaupapa, a secluded peninsula in Hawaii, was once a refuge for leprosy patients and is now a pilgrimage site for Catholics devoted to Saint Damien of Molokai and Mother Marianne, who cared for the patients.
• Over 8,000 people, mostly Native Hawaiians, perished at Kalaupapa, including Father Damien who contracted leprosy himself.
• COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have currently halted all pilgrimages and tours to protect the peninsula’s eight remaining former patients.
• Church officials are eager to resume pilgrimages once travel restrictions are lifted, despite concerns from local residents about the sacredness of the site.
• The last two Catholic sisters living on the peninsula are committed to staying until the last patient leaves or dies.

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