For the record

The President

Statement given Oct. 9 by President Barack Obama on the Canonization of Blessed Damien

I wish to express my deep admiration for the life of Blessed Damien de Veuster, who will be canonized on Sunday by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. I also want to convey my best wishes to the Kingdom of Belgium and its people, who are proud to count Father Damien among their great citizens.

Father Damien has also earned a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. I recall many stories from my youth about his tireless work there to care for those suffering from leprosy who had been cast out. Following in the steps of Jesus’ ministry to the lepers, Father Damien challenged the stigmatizing effects of disease, giving voice to the voiceless and ultimately sacrificing his own life to bring dignity to so many.

In our own time as millions around the world suffer from disease, especially the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, we should draw on the example of Father Damien’s resolve in answering the urgent call to heal and care for the sick.

I offer my prayers as people of all faiths join the Holy Father and millions of Catholics around the world in celebrating Father Damien’s extraordinary life and witness.

The Congress

Statement presented by Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka in the Congressional Record on Oct. 6

Mr. President, I’m proud to join Senator Inouye in introducing a resolution commemorating the canonization of Father Joseph Damien de Veuster. Father Damien was born in Tremeloo, Belgium, on January 3, 1840. He is best known for his tireless efforts to provide material and spiritual comforts for leprosy patients at Kalaupapa, Molokai, during the latter half of the 19th century. Beloved by the people of Hawaii and the country of his birth, his selfless service to mankind serves as a model for all of us.

Father Damien arrived in Hawaii in 1864 to join the Sacred Hearts Mission in Honolulu. After several years of serving isolated communities on the island of Hawaii, Father Damien became concerned that many of his parishioners that were afflicted by leprosy were forced to separate from their families and sent to Kalaupapa, Molokai and virtually imprisoned. In 1873, Father Damien’s request to reside at Molokai and devote his life to serving the people of Kalaupapa was granted.

Father Damien’s selfless devotion to the patients was evident when in 1876, he told a U.S. medical inspector, “This is my work in the world. Sooner or later I shall become a leper, but may it not be until I have exhausted my capabilities for good.” For 16 years, he labored to bring material and spiritual comfort to Kalaupapa’s leprosy patients, building chapels, water cisterns, and boys and girls homes.

On April 15, 1889, Father Damien died of leprosy, at the age of 49. While his death was a devastating loss, the spiritual foundation that he established for the community of Kalaupapa would forever be remembered by the people of Hawaii.

Father Damien is a beloved figure in Hawaii’s history, and so noteworthy are his deeds that he is one of the two people from Hawaii who are memorialized here in the Capitol, the other being King Kamehameha, the man who united the Hawaiian Islands. The Statute of Father Damien stands proudly, as a reminder of his stewardship and love for Kalaupapa.

We must take every opportunity to educate our Nation on Father Damien’s life and the history of Kalaupapa. Out of concern that Father Damien legacy and Kalaupapa’s rich history not be forgotten, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established in 1980, with a provision that former leprosy patients may remain as long as they wish.

The Holy See ruled in April 2008 that Father Joseph Damien de Veuster was responsible for two miracles and The Congregation of the Causes of Saints at the Vatican voted to recommend raising Father Damien to sainthood. In February 2009, the Vatican announced that Father Damien would be canonized on October 11, 2009 in ceremonies at the Vatican. It will be my great honor to attend those ceremonies as part of President Barack Obama’s official delegation. Through this recognition, Father Damien and the 8,000 leprosy patients will forever be remembered as a legacy of human spirit and dignity.

The State

Proclamation made on Oct. 1 by Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona

Joseph de Veuster, who would later be known as Father Damien of Molokai and Blessed Damien de Veuster, was a Roman Catholic missionary who sacrificed his life in service to those suffering from Hansen’s disease in Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

Born on January 3, 1840 in Belgium, Joseph de Veuster was the seventh of eight children. After college, he entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (a.k.a. Picpus) and took the name Damien, after the ancient physician and martyr, in his first vows.

He arrived in Honolulu on March 19, 1864 as a missionary, and was later ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, a church built by his religious order. He served at several parishes on the Island of Hawai‘i until he learned about Kalaupapa, a secluded settlement on the Island of Molokai populated by Hansen’s disease patients. Though the Board of Health provided the residents of Kalaupapa with food and supplies, there were not enough resources to give them the health care they required.

On May 10, 1873, Damien arrived in Kalaupapa to meet the spiritual needs of the 600 residents. He soon realized that his presence provided much needed comfort to those suffering from Hansen’s disease, and he served in different capacities, including doctor, carpenter, legal advocate and grave digger. He also organized religious associations, a children’s band and a choir. Through his work, Damien instilled pride and dignity in the residents of Kalaupapa, restoring the faith of the forgotten.

In recognition of Damien’s selfless actions, King David Kalakaua bestowed on him the honor of Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kalakaua. When Princess Lydia Liliuokalani visited the settlement to present the medal, she witnessed the pain Hansen’s disease brought to her subjects. Impressed by his compassion, the princess spread the word of Damien’s work across America and throughout Europe. As a result, various organizations raised money and sent food, medicine and supplies to Kalaupapa.

Though Damien passed away on April 15, 1889, his legacy lives on. His service and ministry at Kalaupapa has perpetuated the Spirit of Aloha, and has offered hope and inspiration to past, present and future generations. In Hawai‘i, Damien remains a spiritual hero and an icon of love, compassion, courage, humility and humanitarian service. Deservedly, this noble man is one of only two individuals honored with a statue on the grounds of the Hawai‘i State Capitol building. The other is Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. After his beatification by Pope John Paul II on June 4, 1995, Damien received the title, “Servant of God and Servant of Humanity,” and was granted a memorial feast day celebrated annually on May 10. On October 11, 2009, Damien will be canonized by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.

Therefore, I, Linda Lingle, Governor, and I, James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., Lieutenant Governor of the State of Hawai‘i, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2009, as Saint Damien Day in Hawai‘i, and recognize his lasting and meaningful contributions to the people of our state.