Reflections on life, meaning and purpose

Maria Lanakila Church still stands in Hawaii, but Waiola Church is gone…

Despite reports to the contrary, historic Maria Lanakila Catholic Church is still standing amid the ashes and devastation left by the massive fire that destroyed much of Lahaina this week.The Rev. Terrence Watanabe, vicar of Maui and Lanai, said the evidence of the building’s survival is found in photographs taken after the fire showing the sanctuary and the neighboring rectory intact.“For us, it’s like a miracle,” Watanabe said Thursday. “When we saw the news and saw the church steeple rise above the town, it was a great sight to see.”