My oldest son, John II, turned 45 this year.  It was quite shocking when I realized his age.  Several months ago, while speaking with my daughter-in-law, we thought it would be fun to surprise my son for his birthday.  John II is a career soldier in the United States Army and stationed in Hawaii where my daughter-in-law, Mary was born and raised.

While in Hawaii, I attended Mass at the Catholic Church near my son’s home.  The Catholic Church in Hawaii has a rich history.  Our Lady of Perpetual Help was originally a mission church of a neighboring parish.  Construction for the church was completed in 1951.  In July 1969, the bishop designated Our Lady of Perpetual Help as an independent parish. 

Shortly before the Mass began, the choir director acclaimed with a loud, happy voice the familiar Hawaiian greeting – ALOHA!   

He then asked all visitors to stand and tell them where they were from.  I was the only visitor for this Mass.  The entire congregation welcomed me with a round of applause. 

The choir at this church was so talented.  There was a piano, drums, guitars, and approximately ten singers.  The Mass was so beautiful, and I felt very much at home.

 After Mass, I walked to the front of the church to take a picture of the altar and the beautiful San Damiano cross.

To the left of the altar, at the far-left side of the church was a statue of a priest.  I walked to the statue and took a picture.  I looked for a plaque, but there was none to be found. 

As I left the church, I showed the picture to the deacon who informed me that the priest in the statue was Saint Damien.   

Many of you may know the story of Saint Damien but I encourage you to read the blog to the end to learn of another important saint who impacted the lives of many Hawaiians. 

Father Damien was a Roman Catholic priest from Belgium.  He was a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.  He was a key figure in providing support to Hawaiians with leprosy from 1873 until his death in 1889. 

Hawaiians who were diagnosed with leprosy were medically quarantined by the government in a settlement on the peninsula of Molokai.  Father Damien built houses, schools, roads, hospitals, and churches to support those living in Molokai.  After eleven years of support to those in Molokai, Father Damien contracted the disease and died in 1889.

Father Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009.

Years ago, I learned of another saint who provided much support to Hawaiians in the Molokai community.  Her name is Saint Marianne Cope.  She is also known as Marianne of Molokai. 

Sister Marianne Cope was a German-born American religious and member of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Syracuse, New York.  In New York, she served as a teacher and principal in schools serving German-speaking immigrants.  In 1870, she helped establish two Catholic hospitals in Central New York that provided medical care regardless of race or creed.  Sister Marianne served as the Superior General of Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York from 1870 to 1877.

In 1883, Sister Marianne Cope relocated with six other Sisters to Hawaii. Their goal was to care for the members of the Molokai community.  In addition to establishing the first hospital on the island of Maui, she also supervised the care provided at the main hospital in Oahu. 

In 1888, Sister Marianne moved to Kalaupapa and cared for Father Damien until his death in 1889. 

Despite the extensive care she provided to people with leprosy, Sister Marianne did not contract the disease and died of natural causes in 1918 at the age of 80.  Sister Marianne Cope was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012.

The stories of the saints includes so many men and women of God who did very remarkable things.  As we explore their lives, we see faith, courage, and determination to share God’s love with others. 

 Do you have a favorite saint? 

Let me know in the comments below the name of your favorite saint.

I am sorry there is no video in this blog. My next trip will be in August to Ohio and Kentucky. I have a full itinerary that will include a number of beautiful churches and so much more. Videos will be added to each of the blogs from this upcoming adventure. Stay tuned!

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I had so much fun writing this book with Father Camilo. I know you will enjoy reading about his adventures.

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