Pope Canonizes Five New Saints Oct 12, 2009
He added that the missionary contracted leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, suffering from it during the last four years of his life. After the ceremony, the pope came out on the basilica's central balcony to greet the crowd in the square. (Newsmax)
Damien Day Proclamation issued Oct 11, 2009
Joseph de Veuster, who would later be known as Father Damien of Moloka'i and Blessed Damien de Veuster, 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 ... He served at several parishes on the Island of Hawai'i until he learned about Kalaupapa, a secluded settlement on the Island of Moloka'i populated by Hansen's Disease patients ... He soon realized that his presence provided much needed... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Students honor Damien with volunteer work Oct 11, 2009
Damien lived in Kalaupapa for 16 years ministering to the sick, mostly patients with Hansen's disease the disease Damien died of. A large contingent of Hawai'i residents, including 11 from Kalaupapa, is in Rome for a Father Damien pilgrimage. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Sainthood for Damien just hours away Oct 11, 2009
ROME Pope Benedict XVI will elevate Father Damien of Moloka'i to sainthood Sunday in St. Peter's Square, 120 years after the Sacred Hearts priest died in the Hansen's disease settlement of Kalaupapa ... The image used for the tapestry is one of the most well-known photos of Father Damien, taken near the end of his life, when it is apparent he is suffering from Hansen's disease ... The Very Rev. Javier Alvarez Ossorio, superior general of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, of which Father... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Damien still making a difference today Oct 11, 2009
The story of how Damien ministered to the outcasts of society of their day which grew to a total of more than 8,000 Hansen's disease patients beginning in 1866 is drawing even more visitors to the tiny Kalaupapa Peninsula as his elevation to sainthood continues to attract worldwide attention ... But the future is uncertain for Kalawao, where Damien ministered to the sick until his death in 1889 of Hansen's disease, and the relatively more modern Kalaupapa Settlement nearby ... The remaining... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Silva tells pilgrims 'Damien cast out demons of despair' Oct 10, 2009
Father Damien de Veuster, the Sacred Hearts priest who cared for Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa on Moloka'i and died of the disease in 1889, will be canonized on Oct. 11 ... "He cast out the demons of despair" in the Hansen's disease settlement in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, and helped to create pride in a community that had been created as a prison where the sick were sent to die ... More than 530 Islanders, including 11 Hansen's disease patients from Kalaupapa, are in Rome for a Father Damien... (Honolulu Advertiser)
IN DAMIEN'S FOOTSTEPS Oct 10, 2009
Damien lived in Kalaupapa for 16 years ministering to the sick, mostly patients with Hansen's disease, the disease that Damien later died of. HonoluluAdvertiser. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Vatican to canonize Belgian priest who helped Hawaiian lepers Oct 9, 2009
He spent nearly a decade serving on the Big Island before volunteering to go to the settlement at Molokai, where about 8,000 people had been banished amid an epidemic of leprosy also known as Hansen's disease. The deplorable conditions, immense suffering and hopelessness of the inhabitants he found there have been the stuff of books, a feature film and documentaries. (USA Today -- News)
Pope greets Damien miracle woman from Hawaii Oct 9, 2009
Father Damien de Veuster, the Sacred Hearts priest who cared for Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa on Moloka'i and died of the disease in 1889, will be canonized on Oct. 11 ... Father Damien, born Joseph de Veuster in Tremelo, Belgium, in 1840, ministered under horrific conditions to Hansen's disease patients at Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, for 16 years, before succumbing to the disease himself ... Eleven Hansen's disease patients, many of whom still live in Kalaupapa by choice, are on the Damien... (Honolulu Advertiser)
'STAMP OF APPROVAL' Oct 9, 2009
Audrey Toguchi, in Rome for Sunday's ceremony in St. Peter's Square, told journalists that Father Damien's work with Hansen's disease patients on Molokai in the 19th century showed people they are all special ... Another Hawaii resident who journeyed to Rome for the ceremony was Elroy Malo, a Mormon who was sent to the Hansen's disease settlement on Molokai in 1947 when he was 12, joining a brother and sister there ... Norbert Palea, who has Hansen's disease, told journalists that "when you have... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii pilgrims visit Damien tomb Oct 7, 2009
He would later be ordained to the priesthood in Downtown Honolulu and volunteer to work in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, a remote settlement for Hansen's disease patients banished by the government for the remainder of their lives ... More than 350 Hawai'i residents, including 11 Hansen's disease patients, on a pilgrimage for Father Damien's canonization Sunday packed into St. Anthony's Chapel for the Mass before heading to Father Damien's tomb for chants and singing and to leave flowers and lei ...... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii visitors see Damien statue Oct 6, 2009
TREMELO, Belgium A bust of Father Damien in advanced stages of Hansen's disease was unveiled yesterday in front of his childhood home as part of celebrations in this small town to mark the elevation of the Sacred Hearts priest to sainthood ... Many had positive comments on the statue, saying it shines a stark light on the disfigurement Father Damien suffered because of Hansen's disease, but also shows his caring nature with kind eyes and an expression that evokes both wisdom and a willingness... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Damien honored in Belgium Oct 5, 2009
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is believed to have reached Hawaii from China around 1850 ... Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is believed to have reached Hawaii from China around 1850. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
PATH TOWARD SAINTHOOD Oct 5, 2009
TREMELO, Belgium Thousands of Belgians, including the country's royal couple, converged today on this small farming town where Father Damien was born to celebrate his elevation to sainthood with some of the last remaining patients of the Hansen's disease settlement in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, where the Sacred Hearts priest gained worldwide fame for volunteering to minister to the sick ... Everyone wanted a chance to meet the Hansen's disease patients, who traveled the 7,500 miles to Belgium along... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Children's book traces life of Father Damien. Oct 5, 2009
Father Damien de Veuster, the Sacred Hearts priest who cared for Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa on Moloka'i and died of the disease in 1889, will be canonized on Oct. 11 ... Seven chapters cover his journey to become a priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, his 1864 voyage to Honolulu, and the hardships he endured throughout his missionary work with Hansen's disease patients on Moloka'i. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Belgium Joins Hawaii Marking 'Leper Priest' Oct 5, 2009
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is believed to have reached Hawaii from China around 1850. Its rapid spread and unknown cure led Hawaii's King Kamehameha V to place sufferers in isolation on Molokai's Kalaupapa peninsula, an area devoid of any amenities until Father Damien's arrival. (Newsmax)
Countdown to canonization Oct 5, 2009
It was a 24-hour trip for 11 former Hansen's disease patients from Kalaupapa, who will attend the canonization of Father Damien next Sunday in Rome ... It was a 24-hour trip for 11 former Hansen's disease patients from Kalaupapa, who will attend the canonization of Father Damien next Sunday in Rome. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Father damien in fine print Oct 3, 2009
Doug Tolentino is on his way to an afternoon gig playing music at the Halekulani, knowing he will fight back tears as he sings "Olu O Pu'ulani." The song tells of a family, split apart when one is diagnosed with Hansen's disease and sent to Kalaupapa. "It is the story of my own family. My grandmother was a leper. When she gave birth to my father, he was taken from her," he said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Damien celebration begins as group heads to Belgium Oct 3, 2009
Father Damien de Veuster, the Sacred Hearts priest who cared for Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa on Moloka'i and died of the disease in 1889, will be canonized on Oct. 11 ... Those on the pilgrimage include 11 Hansen's disease patients from Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, and Audrey Toguchi, the 'Aiea woman whose cure from an aggressive form of cancer after praying to Damien 11 years ago was the second miracle attributed to the Sacred Hearts priest, assuring his sainthood ... He instructs church and... (Honolulu Advertiser)
NEXT STOP: BELGIUM Oct 3, 2009
The 12,000-mile trek to Rome for Father Damien's canonization won't be easy for the 11 Hansen's disease patients making the journey ... "For me, it's honoring the man who gave to the people at that time his all, the most delicate gift being his life," said Elroy Makia Malo, a 74-year-old Hansen's disease patient ... He was 33, and would spend 16 years at the settlement, ministering to Hansen's disease patients who were wrenched from their families to live there after being diagnosed. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Fighting Eel introduces bridal wear Oct 3, 2009
With the upcoming canonization of Father Damien, Big Island artist Dietrich Varez has created a textile design in honor of the Belgian-born Sacred Hearts priest who dedicated his life to the care of Hansen's disease patients on Moloka'i more than a century ago. Reyn's Spooner Kloth pullover style shirts in navy, red, tan or black are $79 ($82 for size 3XL), and are available at Ala Moana Center and Kahala Mall. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Leprosy patients to see 1800s priest canonized Oct 2, 2009
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is spread by direct person-to-person contact, although it's not easily transmitted. It can cause skin lesions and lead to blindness. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
ST. DAMIEN TROOP REPORTS FOR DUTY Sep 25, 2009
Nine Boy Scouts from Oahu designated the St. Damien Troop by the Aloha Council will be in Rome to witness the canonization of Blessed Damien de Veuster, the Catholic priest who ministered to Hansen's disease patients exiled to Kalawao. Before the Oct. 11 ceremony at the Vatican, the troop will spend five days in Belgium visiting Damien's birthplace in Tremelo. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Damien clan plans to attend ceremony Sep 22, 2009
The priest is known around the world for his service to Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, from 1873 to 1889, when he himself died from the disease. Jan de Veuster said he grew up learning about Father Damien from his family. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Meetings to explore plans for a Kalaupapa memorial Sep 17, 2009
The meetings are sponsored by the National Park Service, which administers the Molokai settlement where Hansen's disease patients were sent between 1866 and 1969, and Ka 'Ohana o Kalaupapa, a nonprofit group supporting the remaining few patients ... The meetings are sponsored by the National Park Service, which administers the Molokai settlement where Hansen's disease patients were sent between 1866 and 1969, and Ka 'Ohana o Kalaupapa, a nonprofit group supporting the remaining few patients. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Relic of Hawaii saint will make many stops on its trip home Sep 9, 2009
Damien was buried in 1889 at Kalaupapa, where he ministered to Hansen's disease patients for 16 years before dying from the disease at age 49 ... Rather than flying it in, Damien Memorial School students will carry it down the hourlong hike to the Hansen's disease settlement. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Father Damien: Isle-born artist Maria Lee creates a collection that touches on Kalaupapa's tragic past Sep 7, 2009
The disease now is referred to as Hansen's disease, named for the scientist who identified its bacterial source ... The disease now is referred to as Hansen's disease, named for the scientist who identified its bacterial source. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
50 fun facts about Hawaii as 50th star hits 50 Aug 31, 2009
31 Father Damien, the Belgian priest who worked in Molokai's leper colony and eventually died of Hansen's disease (as leprosy is now called), will officially become a saint in October. Mother Marianne Cope, a German-born American nun who arrived several months before Damien died, was beatified in 2005 for similar service. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Father Damien's 'miracle woman' humble despite worldwide fame Aug 25, 2009
The Rev. Damien de Veuster, who ministered to Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i, from 1873 to 1889, when he died from the disease at age 49, will be canonized Oct. 11 in Rome before an expected crowd of 10,000 people. Toguchi, along with 11 Hansen's disease patients who still live full- or part-time in Kalaupapa by choice, will be among the attendees ... Toguchi, who graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy, said she grew up learning about Father Damien and his selfless service to... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Rediscovering the forgotten who lived in Kalaupapa exile Aug 9, 2009
It took months of work at the Hawai'i State Archives and the help of Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa, a nonprofit that helps Kalaupapa patients, to find the rest of the story: Apo's great-grandfather, John Taylor Unea, was forced to leave his wife and daughter behind in Hilo in 1893, and move to the Hansen's disease settlement with a 16-year-old son. Both had Hansen's disease ... Many of these stories, experts say, have been lost, forgotten or even hidden away because of the shame once associated with... (Honolulu Advertiser)
State needs reliable air service to Kalaupapa Jul 29, 2009
It was once used as a place to lock away Hansen's disease patients in enforced, lifelong isolation. Obviously, that's no longer acceptable. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Airfare hike 'too ridiculous' Jul 24, 2009
She said the situation is angering Kalaupapa's 19 Hansen's disease patients and 100 or so employees, who are limiting or forgoing travel. The airfare increase comes as Pacific Wings and the state duke it out in the latest of a string of disagreements. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Kalaupapa residents caught in middle of Pacific Wings-DOT dispute Jul 23, 2009
Meanwhile, park workers and Health Department employees (including people who assist the Hansen's disease patients), many of whom live Topside Molokai, feel trapped by the $492. 62 round-trip fare now being charged by Pacific Wings. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii Hansen's disease patients will witness Damien's sainthood Jul 20, 2009
Some 900 people at a sold-out dinner last night helped raise more than $100,000 to send 11 Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa to Rome for the canonization of Father Damien, while also mourning others who championed the Sacred Hearts priest's cause but died before seeing him elevated to sainthood ... The 78-year-old Marks was sent to Kalaupapa in 1947 after contracting Hansen's disease, and said yesterday that she still can't believe that she's headed to Rome ... The Rev. Damien de Veuster,... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Soon the world will know the story of a saintly man Jul 13, 2009
Anwei Skinsnes Law: International coordinator of IDEA -- the International Association for Integrity, Dignity and Economic Advancement -- established in 1994 as the first international advocacy agency led primarily by former Hansen's disease patients ... Anwei Skinsnes Law: International coordinator of IDEA -- the International Association for Integrity, Dignity and Economic Advancement -- established in 1994 as the first international advocacy agency led primarily by former Hansen's disease... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Hansen's disease in spotlight again because of Hawaii priest Jun 30, 2009
Father Damien's coming elevation to sainthood in October is renewing efforts to eliminate the centuries-old stigma attached to Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy ... On average, 20 new cases of Hansen's disease are diagnosed in the Islands annually ... Hawai'i has one of the highest per capita rates of Hansen's disease nationally, though other states, including Texas and California, see more cases. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Damien artifacts will get new Hawaii home Jun 23, 2009
The efforts are part of a flurry of projects statewide aimed at preparing for Father Damien de Veuster's elevation to sainthood on Oct. 11 in Rome, and for the onslaught of new interest in the Belgian priest who is already known worldwide for his service to the Hansen's disease patients of Moloka'i until his death from the disease in 1889 ... Several Damien celebrations, including a fundraiser July 18 for Moloka'i's Hansen's disease patients who are attending the canonization, a youth gathering... (Honolulu Advertiser)
DAMIEN SERVING AS TEACHING TOOL Jun 6, 2009
And teachers say the story of Damien, who served Hansen's disease patients on Moloka'i, is captivating their young audiences, so used to reading about famous names who lived long ago and far away ... At Moloka'i High School and several other public schools, the Catholic priest is being discussed in-depth in Hawaiian studies classes, with students learning about his service and the lives of the Hansen's disease patients whom he helped ... Some of the ideas for the coming semester include... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Catholic Church unveils Father Damien Web site May 30, 2009
Born Joseph de Veuster in 1840, Damien died on Molokai at the age of 49 after contracting leprosy, now called Hansen's disease ... Born Joseph de Veuster in 1840, Damien died on Molokai at the age of 49 after contracting leprosy, now called Hansen's disease. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Damien canonization draws Hawaii visitors May 26, 2009
The Rev. Damien de Veuster, who ministered to the Hansen's disease patients of Kalaupapa when no one else would until his death from the disease in 1889, will be elevated to sainthood Oct. 11 in Rome ... In addition to the bishop, passengers on the Seawind tour include nine Hansen's disease patients from Kalaupapa and their caregivers, a 70-person choir that plans to sing at Masses in Belgium and Rome, a hula halau and scores of the faithful who have waited for Damien's canonization for decades... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Damien relic to process through U.S. to Islands May 14, 2009
Damien was first buried in 1889 at Kalaupapa, where he had served the Hansen's disease community until he died of the disease. In 1936, his body was exhumed and moved back to his native Louvain, Belgium. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Eight Kalaupapa patients will attend Damien's canonization May 5, 2009
Watanuki and seven other Hansen's disease patients from Kalaupapa will travel to Rome in October to witness the canonization of Father Damien, "the leper priest of Moloka'i" who ministered to the sufferers at Kalaupapa when no one else would, then died of the disease himself in 1889. "I hope to see the pope," Watanuki said yesterday at a news conference at the University of Hawai'i's John A. Burns School of Medicine campus in Kaka'ako. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Park service seeks public input on management plan for Kalaupapa Apr 2, 2009
Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai was established in 1980 to tell the story of the isolated Hansen's disease (leprosy) community by preserving and interpreting its sites and values. Today the park preserves cultural and natural resources and is dedicated to supporting and protecting the well-being and privacy of residents who choose to remain at Kalaupapa. (Honolulu Advertiser)
New federal law creates monument at Kalaupapa Apr 1, 2009
"We will now be able to recognize Hansen's disease patients of Kalaupapa for the way they led dignified, inspirational lives under extremely challenging circumstances," said U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who introduced the Kalaupapa Memorial Act. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Monument for Kalaupapa gets congressional OK Mar 26, 2009
Congress has approved a bill authorizing a monument to 8,000 Hansen's disease patients exiled to Kalaupapa, Moloka'i between 1866 and 1969 ... Instead it says a support group for Hansen's disease patients will be responsible for raising money for the memorial. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Monument to those who died at Kalaupapa stalls in U.S. House Mar 12, 2009
Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa, a group of Hansen's disease patients, relatives and friends, would have been responsible for the memorial's cost. But the interior secretary would have final approval of the monument's design, size, inscriptions and location. (Honolulu Advertiser)
More of this story Mar 11, 2009
Hansen's Disease Treatment $1,976,000. The initiative provides continuing support, including medical care and treatment, for people suffering from Hansen's disease in hospitals and clinics at Kalaupapa and Honolulu. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Five ways to honor Hawaii's true saint Feb 28, 2009
People of all faiths have heard of Father Damien, the 19th century Catholic priest who served in the infamous "leper colony" on Molokai until his own death from what's now called Hansen's disease ... Using photographs taken near the end of his life, sculptor Marisol Escobar depicts Damien with Hansen's disease: His face is scarred, his right arm is in a sling and he's holding a cane. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Isle doctors find new use for 1890s drug Feb 25, 2009
Clofazimine, developed in the 1890s and used for decades against Hansen's disease, or leprosy, has proved effective against MS, type 1 diabetes and the skin condition known as psoriasis. "People have been working for years and spending tens of millions of dollars on developing a drug to inhibit a specific molecular target involved in these diseases, and here we have a safe, known drug that hits that target," said Jun O. Liu, a pharmacologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Pope will lift Damien to sainthood this fall Feb 23, 2009
"We always knew he was a saint," said Kahilihiwa, one of 25 former Hansen's disease patients who still live there. They are among the last people to be sent into forced isolation during the 100 years of quarantine, which was finally lifted by the state in 1969. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Catholics Rejoice Damien's Sainthood Feb 23, 2009
It has been 120 years since Father Damien, who gave his life to comfort and care for the forgotten patients of Molokai, died from Hansen's disease. On Sunday at a news conference downtown came the long-awaited news by telephone from Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva in Rome for the announcement. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
World Briefs Feb 22, 2009
The priest eventually contracted the disease, also known as Hansen's disease, and died in 1889 at age 49. Pakistan agrees to truce with Taliban in Swat Valley. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Kalaupapa memorial bill considered Feb 22, 2009
The U.S. House is expected to approve a bill authorizing a monument to 8,000 Hansen's disease patients who were exiled to Kalaupapa between 1866 and 1969 ... Hansen's disease is spread by direct person-to-person contact, although it is not easily transmitted ... The Hawaiian kingdom started exiling Hansen's disease patients to the remote, desolate Kalaupapa peninsula in 1866 amid a widespread outbreak of the illness. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Damien to be canonized Oct. 11 Feb 22, 2009
And he hopes that it's not the last consistory he attends for awhile, if Mother Marianne Cope, Damien's colleague at the settlement for Hansen's disease (then called leprosy) is canonized soon, too. She was beatified and another miracle is needed for her to be elevated. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Of heroes and sainthood Feb 21, 2009
"When Damien got to the colony that served those with Hansen's disease, then called leprosy, "he simply did what needed to be done," Gomes said. Yet that simple devotion to duty would be a life's work, and involve great sacrifice.Damien's first act was to initiate the Christian Funeral Association, because people were being buried in shallow graves that would be dug up by wild pigs."To bury with dignity elevates the life of the person who died," Gomes said.In a letter home, Damien wrote that he... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Priest Damien to become a saint Oct 11 Feb 21, 2009
The priest eventually contracted the disease, also known as Hansen's disease, and died in 1889 at age 49. The Vatican's saint-making procedures require that a miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession be confirmed in order for him or her to be beatified. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Bishop Silva headed to Vatican for Damien sainthood date Feb 13, 2009
Damien de Veuster was the priest who served the patients of Kalaupapa until he contracted Hansen's disease, then called leprosy, and died in 1889. Beatified in 1995, he is expected to be canonized in October. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Leprosy advocate put lei on pope Feb 12, 2009
Bell was one of several former Hansen's disease patients chosen to interact with the late Pope John Paul II at the June 1995 beatification of Father Damien DeVeuster in Brussels ... Bell was one of several former Hansen's disease patients chosen to interact with the late Pope John Paul II at the June 1995 beatification of Father Damien DeVeuster in Brussels. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Free dental-care program ending for Big Islanders Feb 11, 2009
The award is named in honor of Mother Marianne Cope, who brought the Sisters of St. Francis to Hawai'i in 1883 to care for those with Hansen's disease. The Mobile Care Health Project also worked with dental health advocates on Maui and Kaua'i in 1998 to form the Tri-County Oral Health Task Force to address the critical shortage of dentists serving low-income populations. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Leprosy Lingers in the U.S. Feb 7, 2009
And because leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, remains a largely forgotten illness, U.S. physicians are often missing its diagnosis, say experts who discussed the problem this week at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's annual meeting in New Orleans ... He is director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's National Hansen's Disease Program in Baton Rouge, La, one of many regional clinics across the country ... Dr. David Scollard, chief of the HRSA National... (MEDLINEplus)
