Saint Damien

Joseph de Veuster, who would later be known as Father Damien of Moloka`i and Blessed Damien de Veuster, will now be known as Saint Damien. He 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 Moloka`i. Lt. Governor Aiona presented a proclamation in Rome that he signed with Governor Lingle to declare Oct. 11 as Saint Damien Day in Hawai`i. "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 Hawai`i's last reigning monarch, Queen Lili`uokalani. 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." - Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona