Father Damien – Apostle to the Patients
Molokai, one of the least habited Hawaiian islands (population 7000), is an island with much natural beauty and a unique spirituality. Molokai served as home for sixteen years, to Father Damien, a 19th century Sacred Hearts priest from Belgium, who volunteered to care for the Hansen disease (leprosy) patients at Kalawao, on the desolate Kalaupapa peninsula of Molokai. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Father Damien, Saint Damien of Molokai, Apostle to the Patients. Although his title is now "Saint Damien", for the people of Molokai and for all those who find inspiration in his story or who walk in his steps this beloved man remains "Father Damien."
In his ministry on Molokai, Father Damien bandaged and comforted the leprosy patients; built hospitals, houses, chapels and coffins; organized picnics; educated the children; and ministered to the patients' spiritual needs. In his work with the patients who had been exiled to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula, Father Damien reformed a settlement known for its lawlessness, filth and despair, into a community of individual respect, love and laughter. Father Damien built a community of love and hope through his teaching and living Jesus Christ's gospel message of unconditional love.
The Saint Damien Catholic Parish
Today on the "topside" of Molokai, the Saint Damien Catholic Parish, lives as "ohana" (family) serving God, serving each other and the greater world community. We endeavor in our own small ways, in our daily lives, to live Jesus' gospel message, that we are each called to build the kingdom of God here on earth. We do that in our daily work, in our extension of friendship and charity to those in need. Our goal and mission is, like Father Damien, to give without counting the cost, without expectation of thanks, and without judgment of those we serve.
One of the primary missions of our parish is to build the Saint Damien of Molokai Church, for the celebration of mass, and to provide a contemplative space for our parishioners and for our visitors to ponder and to determine God's mission for each of us.
The Saint Damien of Molokai Church in Kaunakakai
In fall 2011, we will complete the construction of the long awaited Saint Damien of Molokai Church, in the main town of Kaunakakai, and centrally located on the island of Molokai. The new Saint Damien of Molokai Church will provide a quiet and contemplative space where all can learn Father Damien's story of compassionate service to others.
How You Can Help Us Build the Saint Damien Church
In February 2010, the parish's main church, Saint Sophia, was destroyed in a fire. The parish paid $2 million toward the $3.4 million cost, and the balance of the construction price was paid by the Diocese of Honolulu.
The parish is obligated to repay the $1.4 million loan to the Diocese, which is expected to take 15 to 20 years to pay. It is a formidable task for this rural parish of very modest means. You can assist the Saint Damien Church Building Fund through your generous
Donations.
