Sister of St. Joseph Helen Prejean
Sister of St. Joseph Helen Prejean, author of “Dead Man Walking,” and Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, Tonga’s first cardinal, will be among the speakers at the inaugural Damien and Marianne Catholic Conference Oct. 20-22 at the Hawaii Convention Center.
The conference, described by organizers as “an exciting convergence of education and entertainment,” will include sessions by local, national and international speakers on leadership development, faith formation, spirituality, youth and young adult programs and social services.
“We want to honor the lives of Hawaii’s two saints in exciting, new ways and help others see the positive impact we can have in our parishes, congregations and communities across the state,” said Makana Aiona, president of the Damien and Marianne Catholic Conference, in a news release. The conference is a nonprofit organization established in 2016.
Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi
“Dead Man Walking,” is Sister Prejean’s 1993 non-fiction book based on her work as a spiritual advisor to two convicted murderers on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. The volume, which was made into a movie starring Susan Sarandon, explores the moral issues related to the death penalty.
Other presenters include theologian and best-selling author Edward Sri, a well-known Catholic speaker who appears regularly on Eternal Word Television Network; Paul J. Kim, an international speaker and musician known for his ability to connect with youth; and Jackie Angel, a Catholic musician, singer-songwriter, guitarist and youth minister.
Conference attendees will also have an opportunity to meet two women whose miraculous cures led to the canonizations of St. Damien de Veuster and St. Marianne Cope. Katie Mahoney, at age 14, survived multiple organ failure through the intercession of Mother Marianne, one of two miracles needed for the Franciscan Sister’s canonization. Retired school teacher Audrey Toguchi received a “spontaneous complete remission” from an aggressive, metastasized cancer, thanks to the intercession of Father Damien, leading to his canonization.
“Our goal is to educate, inspire, and empower leaders in our community, now and for the next generation,” said Aiona, a teacher at Damien Memorial School. “We want to create lasting, life-changing experiences so that at the conclusion of the three-day conference, every participant will leave refreshed, renewed and reenergized for service.
“We see this becoming an annual event that will attract those from outside Hawaii and provide educational opportunities for the people of Hawaii who may not be able to travel to similar regional or national conferences on the Mainland,” he said.
The conference is endorsed by Bishop Larry Silva and is sponsored in part by the diocesan With Grateful Hearts Campaign.
For more information about the Damien and Marianne Catholic Conference, email info@dmcchawaii.org or call 625-3622. Watch for website www.dmcchawaii.org for online registration and sponsorship information.