Tomorrow is my cousin’s birthday. I always try to remind him that his birthday is also the feast day of St. Damien of Molokai. Usually I just mention it, but this year I can’t just mention it because we celebrate 150 years since he first arrived in our island home!
Over the next four days, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (to whom he belonged) will celebrate this joyous celebration with Mass, music and adoration tonight, a ceremony at the capitol Saturday, and a family night and benefit concert Monday.
Why all the fuss? As Dann Ebina would say, “He’s awesome!”
St. Damien is Hawaii’s first saint. He willingly served the patients of Kalaupapa knowing he would most likely die with them. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace downtown, the very place St. Damien was ordained a priest. See his relic. Pray in front of the tabernacle and ask his intercession for someone in your life. On the feast day of St. Damien, I greet my cousin Jeremy, “Happy Birthday,” and pray for the intercession of St. Damien in carrying out the work God has planned for him.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.