Fr. Damien of Molokai

What could be better than to post about our own beloved priest, Fr. Damien of Molokai? The diocese of Honolulu, its parishes and parishioners joyfully await the canonization of this "leper priest" on October 11. A much awaited event, indeed!

Our own bishop, Bishop Larry Silva, is in Rome to witness the event. He is with Fr. Gary Secor, his chosen representative to travel along with him. Over 500 Islanders on separate tours, including the remaining Kalaupapa patients, are either on their way, or already there. What a glorious moment it will be!

Those of us who are left on the Islands of Hawaii are blessed to have access to our growing technology: EWTN and our local channels that will air the event, blogs, YouTubes, cell phones, etc. What many ways to become informed, to connect with the world and other cultures, and be engaged in networking -- to accomplish what God calls us to do: to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the life of this missionary priest of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Esther G. and I are blessed to have been inspired by this Belgium priest who became a local, one among us, one with the most afflicted of Hawaii in his lifetime when and where a Christ was most needed. He is known as Patron Saint of Native Hawaiians (Source: Ka Wai Ola).

We both rejoice in thanking God and praising Him for the privilege of witnessing in our own lifetime: canonization of Fr. Damien of Molokai. So join us. Rejoice with us.