Father Damien Quote by the "Saint of Urakami"

Saintly Quote by Saint Damien

St. Damien's Feast Day

Father Damien Statue, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

"On May 10, 1873, the vessel Kilauea left Maui with a cargo of fifty lepers and some cattle for the settlement of Molokai.  Bishop Maigret and Father Damien, on the deck, were hailed by the settlement inhabitants, who raced to the shore to greet them. 

Lui Ka Epikopo (Bishop Louis Maigret) and Father Damien landed on Kalaupapa, and there the bishop introduced the young priest, telling the patients that the had brought 'one who will be a father to you.'  He added that Damien so loved them that he was willing 'to become one with you, to live and die with you...'"

Kalaupapa

Excerpt from Father Damien: The Man and His Era by Margaret R. Bunson and published by Our Sunday Visitor.

Novena - St. Damien of Molokai

Novena started yesterday but you can still start today and you will finish it on St. Damien's feast day, May 10th.


Novena

Father Damien the Leper Priest

"There is no more doubt about me, I am a leper.  Blessed be the Good God!  Do not feel sorry for me.  I am perfectly resigned to my lot.  I ask only one favor of you; send someone to this tomb to be my confessor..."

"I would not be cured if the price of my cure was that I must leave the island and give up my work."

Words spoken by Father Damien to two priests in 1885.

The Vice-Provincial of his Congregation reported in 1888:

"To my utter amazement I saw him on his new church which he was roofing, giving orders to masons, workers, and carpenters.  And yet he has the appearance of a real leper, his face puffed, h is ears swollen, his eyes bloodshot, and his voice hoarse.  But that doesn't discourage him. He is happy.  He works as though he were not sick at all, and he'll only stop when he drops."

"On April 15th, 1889, Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC., died with a smile on his face, 'like a child going to sleep.'  He was buried under thePandanus tree, where he spent his first night on Molokai..."

Source:  Faith in Paradise, St. Paul Editions

Feast of Saint Damien

Koa Statue of St. Damien, Sacred Heart Church, Honolulu

Someone inquired about the Litany of St. Damien.  My search led me to this lovely litany which I share with you on the feast day of this beloved saint.  Happy Feast of St. Damien!


Litany of Father Damien

Leader:  O Saint Damien warm greetings. Here we are, people of Hawai’i.
Hawai’i invokes your name, so renowned. Your name resounds against the
cliffs of Kalawao and Kalaupapa, high cliffs on the isle of Moloka’i.  Your
name travels across the sea to distant lands.

O Saint Damien     Pray for us
Salvation of the sick of Moloka’i  Pray for us
Honored son of Belgium    Pray for us
Glorious servant of the Church  Pray for us
Beacon of light for the world   Pray for us
Great heart of compassion   Pray for us
Father and friend of the afflicted  Pray for us
Adopted son of Hawai’i    Pray for us

All:O Saint Damien, listen to our humble prayer. We chant our praise of love
to you. Pray for us and for our loving home. Pray too, for the healing of our
sick, especially for those whose names are written on our hearts, through
the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Peace, patroness of the Hawaiian
Islands and our Mother. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our
Lord and our God, source of all consolation. Amen.  (composed by Hualani Brandt)


Source of the litany.

Photos from the Bishop's Mass Commemorating 2nd Anniversary of St. Damien's Canonization

St. Damien's Relic

Bishop Larry Silva celebrated a beautiful Mass today!  The Bishop looked very happy throughout the Mass.  He gave a wonderful homily on Saint Damien.

Gospel, Lk 11:37-41

37 He had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at table.

38 The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal.

39 But the Lord said to him, 'You Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness.

40 Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too?

41 Instead, give alms from what you have and, look, everything will be clean for you.

Source

He spoke briefly on today's Gospel and he tied in with how Father Damien like Jesus, was not concerned so much with the washing on the outside but how the cleanliness on the inside was more important.  Unfortunately said Bishop Larry, that was one of the reasons Father Damien contracted leprosy.  He was not a dirty man; just not that fastidious.

His relic was exposed for us to venerate.  See above photo.  The object that looks like a rock in the middle is his right heel bone.

The bishop had two concelebrants...two priests from Poland who were on a pilgrimage with a group.

Easter was there too and I believe she took more photos. I will post the link if she does share them.

I've already told two friends that I would remember to pray for them in front of Saint Damien's relic on Saturday.  If you would like me to do that for you, just let me know.  

2nd Anniversary of the Canonization of Father Damien

Today marks the second anniversary of Saint Damien's canonization. Bishop Silva will be celebrating a special Mass at noon today at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. There will possibly be an opportunity to venerate Saint Damien's relic after Mass.

The following is a Q & A I found on how to correctly venerate a saint's relic after Mass.

Venerating Relics at Mass - EWTN.

Saint Damien

Saint Damien

Father Damien was canonized one year ago today by our holy father, Pope Benedict XVI.

Saint Damien pray for Hawaii.

Saint Damien Stamp - You Can Help Make this Possible

From Brother John Samaha, S.M.

Here is an interesting and beneficial project to consider. I hope you will join the movement and invite your relatives and friends and organizations to join the effort and take action. Bishop Silva of Honolulu is planning an organized effort to promote this recognition of the heroic Father Damien.

St. Damien, pray for us!

Brother John

+ + +

J.M.J.

TAKE ACTION …

for a COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP

to honor DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI

The enthuasiatic reception given the 44-cent stamp honoring Mother Teresa (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta) provides an incentive for us to recommend that the United States Postal Service (USPS) issue a commemorative stamp to honor Father Damien of Molokai (St. Damien De Veuster), another great humanitarian serving the helpless.

The procedure is simple, and this is a good social action project for individuals and groups. Write a letter to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) recommending that Damien of Molokai, the hero and helper of the neglected lepers, be pictured on a commemorative postage stamp. It takes only a few minutes of time and several written sentences to make the suggestion.

Information about the CSAC and its selection criteria can be found on the Internet at

CSAC

or enter Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee on Google or another search engine.

Since persons of religious significance and their beliefs are not considered, refrain from using the title “Saint” or “Father.” Simply recommend that Damien De Veuster of Molokai be considered as an outstanding humanitarian of America who gave his life to serve the abandoned lepers of Hawaii. His statue represents the State of Hawaii in the national Capitol’s Statuary Hall. Damien is an internationally recognized hero of humanity.

Suggestions must be made in written form and mailed to:

Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

Stamp Development – USPA

1735 N. Lynn St., Suite 5013

Arlington, VA 22209-6432

If you live in Hawaii, ask the governor and other civic officials to make such a recommendation to the CSAC.

Encourage friends and the members of organizations to which you belong to do the same.

Thank you for promoting this tribute to Damien of Molokai.

Good Article on Father (Saint) Damien

Drawing of Young Father Damien, Honolulu Academy of Art
Photo by Esther G.

Saint Damien: A Hero Who Died on the Battlefield of Honor

Note:  The writer of this article unfortunately used the word "savages" although, I do think he meant it toward the Hawaiian people and "lepers" when referring to Hansen's Disease patients.

Thanks to my mom and John Michael for reminding me of it.

Newspaper: Damien of Molokai film from Vatican archives shows reality of the saint

The above poster can be seen at the St. Francis Church's visitor center in Kalaupapa. A big mahalo to Carlos for sharing the story with me.

A newly digitized 1950's film on Fr. Damien of Molokai still offers a relevant message for today, remarked L'Osservatore Romano (LOR) on Friday. According to the Vatican newspaper, the film’s images not only show us the priest's life, but reveal "timeless and fundamentally human themes."

Titled “Molokai, la isla maldita" (Molokai, the damned island), the black and white film was made in 1959 by director Luis Lucia. It won awards in Spain for best film and for best director. LOR reported that the now-digitized movie is of interest not only to the library, as one of the first films filed in its film archives, but also to religious cinema as a whole.

Using the cinematic techniques typical of religious films of the mid-20th century, the film remembers Fr. Damien and his 16 years of work with lepers on Hawaii’s Island of Molokai until his death from leprosy in 1889. The Belgian priest, reported LOR, "represents a universal example of humanitarian aid and solidarity," battling "not only against leprosy but against prejudices."

Read the rest here.

Father Damien's Body Being Returned to Belgium

H/T to Mozlink

Film Review - Hawaii Pilgrimage to the Canonization of St. Damien

Photo by Esther G.

I finally saw VV Visions, Inc.'s newest film on Father Damien.  It is a long story but I was supposed to have watched and reviewed the documentary a few months ago.

The film opens up with a cheering crowd in Rome on the day of Father Damien (Joseph) De Veuster's canonization, on October 11, 2009.  The crowd is cheering because Pope Benedict XVI has arrived.  The viewer soon realized the crowd focused on is made up of the Hawaii pilgrims who have traveled a long distance in order to be a part of history.  They wanted to honor Hawaii's beloved "Kamiano".

The film is well made.  The executive producers have taken footage of the scenes prior to the canonization itself, the canonization, the events in Belgium and other parts of Italy, leading to the canonization as well as scenes closer to home in Hawaii, where St. Damien day was celebrated on November 1, 2009.

Visibly present throughout the film is Hawaii's own beloved shepherd, Bishop Larry Silva of the Diocese of Honolulu.  You can clearly see the love and pride in his countenance when he spoke of Father Damien and Hawaii.

One quote that particularly struck a chord with me was when Bishop Larry reminded us that this is the Year of the Priest.  He said that Saint Damien is a:  "...great saint for all the priest in the world..."

A touching moment in the film is when Hawaii's own Mrs. Audrey Toguchi walks holding on to the arm of her doctor for the presentation of Saint Damien's relic.  How fitting that God would choose a resident of Hawaii, as His instrument in making Father Damien a saint!

Then there is the moment when all present hear the words by Pope Benedict, that they have longed to hear with regard to Father Damien becoming a saint, "We decree it!"

Throughout the film, there are interviews by several people who shared interesting stories regarding either Father Damien's life or the canonization process.  People such as the General Postulator, Reverend Alfred Bell, SS.CC., the Superior General of the Sacred Hearts Father, Bishop Silva, Fr. Clyde Guerrero, the residents of Kalaupapa, etc.

- Father Bell said something very profound.  He said:  "We cannot follow the same life after the canonization."

- Bishop Silva spoke about how we create our own little Kalaupapas as a way of putting certain people there whom we do not want to deal with.  Considering the growing number of homeless in Hawaii, who are treated as outcasts, Bishop Larry's statement is very poignant.

- Later, Bishop Larry spoke of St. Damien's joy of being a slave of Jesus Christ.

- It was sad to learn from one of the Kalaupapa residents was that the thing he felt the loss of more than anything, was the loss of his family... his ohana.

- Father Clyde, pastor of the churches on Moloka'i, spoke of the Kalaupapa being a place of spirituality.  As a person who has been there three times, I certainly agree with that statement.

If I had to find the weak point in the film, I would have to say it was the tribute paid by the Belgium people in the Damien Inspires program.  To their credit though, I think they were trying to please the English speaking pilgrims with their choice of entertainment. I would have like to have seen a traditional Belgium song and dance instead of listening to another rendition of "The Rose".

On the other hand, the Hawaiian tribute was incredible!  One of the halau performed the hula to the Hawaiian chant which I believe is entitled "O Kamiano".

The film ends with the celebration with Holy Mass, a tribute at Iolani Palace, and finally the enshrinement of Saint Damien's relic at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace.


As I mentioned above, this is a well done documentary, but it is also a lovely documentary.  The beauty of the Hawaiian people is depicted time and time again.  These pilgrims brought the aloha spirit in form of the leis they shared with the bishops and cardinals, the hula they danced in honor of Father Damien and just the way they are made this film a joy to watch.

I strongly urge those of you who are interested in Saint Damien, (and who isn't?) to obtain the DVD.  I believe Pauline Books in Media will be selling them. 

Happy Feast of St. Damien of Moloka'i

Here is a video I using the photos I have taken of Saint Damien in Hawaii. Enjoy.

Local Event: Two Films on Saint Damien Showing This Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Your browser may not support display of this image. “The Story of Saint Damien of Moloka‘i, Sacred Hearts Priest” and “Hawai‘i’s Pilgrimage to the Canonization of St. Damien of Moloka‘i” to air on KFVE in May

(Honolulu, HI – April 13, 2010)

In celebration of Saint Damien's feast day on May 10, KFVE is proud to announce that it will air two historic programs celebrating the canonization of Saint Damien of Moloka’i. Both specials were produced by V.V. Visions, Inc. (Venny Villapando, Executive Producer) for the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu.

The first show, “The Story of Saint Damien of Moloka‘i, Sacred Hearts Priest” will air from 6-7pm on Saturday, May 8. This one-hour show tells the story of Father Damien de Veuster, the Roman Catholic missionary who ministered to patients with leprosy -- or Hansen’s Disease as it is called today -- on Moloka‘i in the late 1800s. The show also tells the story of the first Catholic missionaries to Hawai‘i, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, to which Father Damien belonged.**

The second show, “Hawai‘i’s Pilgrimage to the Canonization of St. Damien of Moloka‘i” will air from 7-9pm on Sunday, May 9. The travelogue/documentary includes footage from numerous locations including Hawaii, Belgium, Italy and the Vatican, culminating in Damien’s canonization on Rosary Sunday, October 11, 2009. Saint Damien, who was called “Servant of God, Servant of Humanity” in his 1995 beatification, first arrived on Moloka‘i on May 10, 1873. He had already been in Hawaii for nine years serving as a Sacred Hearts missionary on the Big Island. With interviews, raw footage, home movie-like footage and spectacular backdrops, this new special promises to be a memorable one for all viewers.

“We are pleased to be able to provide these heart-felt and historic specials in prime time to the people of Hawai‘i”, said KFVE General Manager John Fink. “Our goal at KFVE is to increase our quantity of solid local programming, and these specials are quality shows that will both educate and entertain viewers throughout the state.”


For More Information, Contact:

John L. Fink

Vice President/General Manager, KFVE

Tel: 808-847-9328

E-mail: jfink@kfve.com


About MCG Capital Corporation (KFVE owner)

MCG Capital Corporation is a solutions-focused commercial finance company providing capital and advisory services to middle-market companies throughout the United States. Our investment objective is to achieve current income and capital gains. Our capital is generally used by our portfolio companies to finance acquisitions, recapitalizations, buyouts, organic growth and working capital. For more information, please visit www.mcgcapital.com.

* My review on the first film can be found by clicking here

Also, make sure to check out Easter's recent post on these two films. She gives a little history on the canonization, background on the filmmakers and information on how to obtain the DVDs.

Saint Damien's Island

One can tell that Molokai is indeed Father Damien's island. His presence is everywhere! His image can be found just about anywhere too. The following are photos from yesterday's trip.

From the building next to St. Sophia where Mass is being celebrated since the unfortunate burning of St. Sophia.

Father Damien Koa Statue 

 

Father Damien painting 

 

Father Damien statue in front of St. Joseph's Church

 

  

Father Damien and Children painting at the airport

Photo of young Father Damien

Saint Damien can even be found in a wall stencil

Father Clyde shared an interesting bit of trivia concerning Father Damien's efficient ways.

Look at that little screen that Father Clyde is holding.  Father Damien came up with an ingenious way of having a confessional in a small and simple church.  When it came time for confession, a veil would be placed over the screen, thus separating the confessor from the penitent.  This little screen window can be found in all the churches built by Father Damien.  It is a feature particular only to St. Damien Churches.

New Documentary Film on St. Damien - Honolulu Film Festival

Damien Making a Difference, God Making A Saint



The following is from the filmmaker Jennifer Hoge:

Honolulu Film Festival has chosen it as one of 41 films that will be screened during the Festival this year! This year's festival is on April 24 and 25, 2010. Here is a website about the festival: Honolulu Film Festival

Anyone can support the film by attending the screening. I want to fill the house! I am so excited that the festival is giving us the opportunity to spread the word about Damien!!!

SHORT SYNOPSIS
At the age of 33, Fr. Damien de Veuster was sent to Molokai to serve the people suffering from Hansen's Disease (leprosy). When he arrived, the people living in the leper colony lacked all basic necessities and lived in fear---immorality and lawlessness being the norm. Fr. Damien came to live among them, becoming a voice to the outside world, ministering to the people, providing food, shelter, love, hope and faith. This story is told through Damien's own words taken from his writings in letters and journals. Members of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, of which Damien was a member, provide refection, showing how the touch of God was evident throughout Damien's life from the very beginning.

ATTRIBUTIONS
Damiens transcribed writings made available to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts USA West in the book, Damien of Molokai through his letters by Osvaldo Aparicio

Photos and artwork provided courtesy of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts—Hawaii Archives, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts USA West, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Leuven, Damiaan Center & Museum Leuven, SS CC Archives Rome, and SS.CC. Picpus

Photo of Pope Benedict XVI taken by Agencia Brazil
For more information or to make a donation to receive a copy of the documentary, contact
SS.CC. USA WEST PROVINCIAL OFFICE
PO BOX 668
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909)593-5441
ssccwest@cpl.net

FILM CREDITS
a film written by JENNIFER HOGE and STEPHANY REH featuring TOM WILSON MIKE LAPONIS FR. MICHAEL BARRY, SS.CC. FR. MARTIN OLOGHLEN, SS.CC FR. JOHN ROCHE, SS.CC.
Produced by THE CONGREGATION OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY AND PERPETUAL ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR SECULAR BRANCH USA WEST
Edited and directed by JENNIFER HOGE in association with PREMIER IMAGE PRODUCTIONS, LLC

For more information on this Not to Be Missed Documentary, please be sure to check out Premier Image Production's Website

Sunday, April 25th

Film Screenings
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa
Coral Ballroom Theater

1:15 PM - Damian Making a Difference, God Making a Saint (46 min, USA)

To purchase tickets Click here

St. Damien's Relic

This is for those of you who have not or will not have a chance to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, in Honolulu. As you know, St. Damien's heel, is the first class relic that is contained in a Koa reliquary at the Cathedral.

Highlights from All Saints Day Mass in Honor of St. Damien