Father Damien deVuester-From Belgium to Hawaii

Tremelo, Belgium is where many residents from Hawaii have gathered to participate in the celebration of Father Damien's pilgrimage.

Joseph deVeuster, also known as Pataar Damiaan or Kai'mano (hawaiian name for Damien) was born in a small farming town in Tremelo, Belgium in 1840. He was to become a priest that will be long remembered for his legacy and devotion. During his life he had spent time with some of the last remaining patients of the Hansens disease settlement in Kalaupapa Molokai, this was how he spent his days volunteering to minister to the sick.

This mission that he was sent out to do was just the makings for a priest who would become Hawaii's first saint. Two worlds would come together for the canonization of Father Damien.

Born in 1840, the seventh of eight children, he gave up the farmers lifestyle for the priesthood. He left Belgium for Hawaii as a missionary, he was only supposed to be on a 3 month rotation with other "Sacred Hearts priests", but he had asked to stay and was granted permission to. He lived in Kalaupapa, Molokai for 16 years tending to the sick and helping to create a community.

In 1866, more then 2000 Hansens disease patients in the Hawaiian Islands were ordered to leave their families and sent to the isolated peninsula of Kalaupapa. Exiled and forgotten they were shipped to their new home, upon their arrival to Kalaupapa, they were thrown off board to swim their way onto shore. And forgotten about, torn from their lives to start new lives.

In 1885 Father Damien had been diagnosed with Hansens disease, and died 4 years later. In 1969 the state lifted the travel restrictions for these patients. Today, only 19 Hansens disease patients who were subject to restrictions are still living and reside in Kalaupapa by choice. By 1940 most of the exiled patients had passed on.

Father Damien will be canonized with 4 others on October 11,2009 in
Saint Peters Square, before an estimated crowd of 50,000 people. About 600 Hawaii residents have seats to the event. The people of Belgium are fascinated by Father Damiens sacrifice, more them a century ago when he volunteered to minister in Kalaupapa.

A Tribute to Father Damien, "May He Forever Rest in Peace."

Mahalo,
Deb Mills