Blessed Damien Bracelets
Designs are one-of-a-kind creations. Each piece comes with a narrative, illustrating an aspect of Blessed Damien or Blessed Marianne's life. Made exclusively for the Molokai Catholic Community Blessed Damien Church Building Fund by Prisma Products ~ Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii. Proceeds will help fund the construction of the new church. To order, contact Prisma at 808.572.8575 or email prisma@hawaii.rr.com
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Blessed Damien Rosary Bracelet ~ $54.00
This uncomplicated design reflects the humility and simplicity of Blessed Damien. Hematite Hail Mary Beads represent the black robes of the priest, while the Peridot CZ spacer beads are the color of the bright green foliage of Moloka'i Kalaupapa peninsula where God's creative energy existed amid the darkness of leprosy. Two decades of the rosary are separated by three sterling silver Our Father beads. A plain silver cross and a Moloka'i flag charm symbolize the sparse conditions under which Blessed Damien lived and the poverty which he endured as he served the people of Kalawao settlement.
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Forest Lei Bracelet ~ $69.00
The styling of this bracelet reminds us of a Lei made of leaves and plants from the forest. In fact, the leaves in the bracelet originate in the ocean as tumbled sea glass that is then carved into a leaf design. Three Gold Pearls represent the extraordinary physical stamina of Blessed Damien, while faceted Bloodstone beads recall his great sacrifice. The legend of Bloodstone says that during the crucifixion, Jesus' precious blood fell on dark green rock which henceforth-containing blotches of red. The faceted Hematite beads in the bracelet represent Blessed Damien entering the forest and gathering wood to build several churches on Molokai with his own hands. Throughout the bracelet are lime green Miracle beads, appropriately named to convey Blessed Damien's heroic acts of love. The Molokai charm inset with jade, calls to mind the islands abundant varieties of trees and plant life.
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Kalaupapa; Sacred Ground Bracelet ~ $87.00
Nature colors the Kalaupapa peninsula of Molokai in shades of brown, green and gold. This is where Blessed Damien served the poor suffering from Hansen's disease, then known as leprosy. The stones chosen to convey the beauty of this land are green Jade, faceted Citron quartz and golden Tigers' Eye, capped in sterling silver. Lime green beads interspersed throughout the bracelet are called "Miracle beads" and convey the true miracle of Damien's heroic life. An Alsatian cross from northeast France and a Molokai charm inset with green Jade are attached.
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Mother Marianne Bracelet ~ $89.00
White iridescent Mother of Pearl beads represent Mother Marianne's purity of purpose and true charity. Mother of Pearl also represents Mother Mary, in whose loving care the Sisters entrusted themselves. Lapis Lazuli beads symbolize the deep blue ocean, while Malachite beads recall the verdant green forests of Kalapapapa. The dark purple of Amethyst suggests a sacrificial tone, reminiscent of the priest's vestments during Lent. This deep color is tempered by lavender crystals and smaller, pale Amethyst beads, suggesting a softer, feminine side. Despite the harsh living conditions of Kalawao, the gentle touch of the Blessed Virgin, Mother Marianne and the Sisters helped ease the pain of the children there. Multi-colored Czech beads recall the cheerfulness and optimism that pervaded the settlement after the Sisters arrived. Their presence allowed the young girls to be taught and nurtured in safety for the first time. The three sterling silver charms are: an Alsatian cross, originating in northeast France; an open heart, for Mother Marianne's heart was always open; and the Molokai flag representing the island where Mother Marianne made her home.
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Blessed Damien Crystal Bracelet ~ $102.00
To attempt to describe the complexities of the life, which Blessed Damien led, this bracelet is multi-faceted and multi-colored. The Austrian Swaroviski crystals represent Damien's "transparent" nature. He was both assertive and patient. The black beads remind us his priestly mission to serve the poor. The sterling silver beads display both Hawaiian and European motifs. The four silver charms handing from the bracelet are: an Alsatian cross, whose origin is northeast France where Damien traveled in the his early years; a sea shell representing the ocean, for the Kalaupapa peninsula where Damien lived and worked is surrounded on three sides by the sea; an open heart, for Blessed Damien's heart was always open; and the island of Molokai, where he spent the last 16 years of his life.
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Damien's Life Bracelet ~ $245.00
Made entirely of sterling silver, this bracelet conveys the essence of Blessed Damien's life. The "tangled" links represent his painful struggle, not only with the deplorable conditions he found at the Kalawao settlement, but with the government, whose shipment of needed supplies was meager at best. Each of the charms depicts an aspect of Blessed Damien's life on Molokai; the island charm inset with red Coral reminds us of his consummate sacrifice; the San Damien Cross of St. Francis recalls that this same cross was also Blessed Damien's inspiration; the church charm suggests those built by Damien with this own hands; a heart of courage reminds us of blessed Damien's courageous heart; the Bible, which he read and taught from; and a hibiscus flower, representing the beauty of Molokai, his island home.
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