History — October 10, 2009 11:40 — View Comments Written by: NEENZ

Live Coverage: The Canonization of Father Damian

Born in Belgium in 1840, Jozef De Veuster is better known as Father Damian and his ministry to the people with leprosy in Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai. His commitment to service as a Roman Catholic priest has earned him the recognition from the Church to be deemed a Saint.

The Canonization of Father Damian will be streamed live on leading local news site KGMB9 at 10 p.m. Hawaii time. Here’s a list of news sites covering the road to Father Damian’s Sainthood:

Below is a statement from President Barack Obama about the canonization of Father Damian:

“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 Fr. Damien among their great citizens.

Fr. 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, Fr. 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 Fr. 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 Fr. Damien’s extraordinary life and witness.”

Father Damian died a year before my great-grandmother, Rose Kaaipohaku Oneha Brown was born. There was still no cure, and sadly my great-grandmother contracted Hansen’s Disease. In my late teens I was able to visit her on Kalaupapa and experience the spirit of the people on the island. It remains one of the greatest moments in my life.

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This article was written by NEENZ on Saturday, October 10th, 2009 at 11:40 am. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. This article was tagged under the following — History

drcajetancoelho

The Canonization of Father Damian is a powerful step in the weakening, eradication and elimination of leprosy - related stigma. For too long a time, leprosy affected sisters and brothers across the Planet have been stigmatised, ostracised, marginalised and discarded from the main flow of life and nature's bountiful blessings.

Father Damian has been a source of inspiration to persons combating leprosy. The out castes, discarded and the banished will find a ray of hope in Father Damian now firmly installed on the high pedestal for every one to see, admire and meditate on his acts of selfless and courageous service, compassion and humility.

Leprosy is still active and alive in countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Much needs to be done by the able-bodied Society in arresting the survival, rise and spread of Hansen’s disease. Greater still is the effort required from one and all to free leprosy affected persons and their families from stigma and other negative tags that restricts their participation in world remaking and world reshaping.

Sound, simple and authentic spirituality is indeed the need of the hour. Exemplary edifying individuals have gone ahead laying down rich models of service to humanity. Father Damian, Mother Teresa, Baba Amte, Manohar Diwan, Shivajirao Pathwardhan and many others are fondly remembered for their dedicated service to fellow humans combating leprosy.