HONORING FATHER DAMIEN: THE KALAUPAPA SAINT
The world continues to honor the canonization of Father Damien, the Belgian missionary who selflessly worked and lived with Hansen’s disease patients on Molokai in the late 1880s.
In Washington D.C., the House of Representatives passed my House Resolution honoring Father Damien’s elevation to sainthood and, in conjunction, we conducted a lei ceremony at the Father Damien statue in the Capitol Building. Most recently, I have just returned from traveling to Belgium as part of a Presidential delegation to attend a mass honoring Saint Damien in Brussels. Please revisit my Saint Damien page for regular updates.
Representing the United States in Belgium
Congresswoman Hirono attending mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels honoring Saint Damien.
Congressman Neil Abercrombie and Congresswoman Hirono participate in ceremonies in Belgium commemorating Saint Damien.
2) Video: Watch Congresswoman Hirono introduce House Resolution 786, commemorating the canonization of Father Damien de Veuster
3) PHOTOS: Lei Ceremony at Capitol Building
Lei being placed on Father Damien Statue in Hall of Columns of Capitol Building
Participants join Congresswoman Hirono at lei ceremony at Father Damien Statue
