Bishop Larry Silva sits with Sacred Hearts Father Lane Akiona, left, and Father William Tulua during the investiture in 2022 for the Hawaii cadre at St. Augustine by the Sea Church. (Courtesy Dann Ebina)
By Anthony Selvanathan
Special to the Herald
The story of the Order of Saint Lazarus’ presence in Hawaii begins with a young boy from Palolo who attended Sacred Hearts Seminary in Hauula, then Chaminade University of Honolulu and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Guided by a deep desire to serve, this young man pursued a career in medicine. His commitment to public health and service to God led him to become a doctor, a rear admiral, the first Asian American surgeon general, and ultimately the commander of the Order of Saint Lazarus globally. This inspiring figure is Chevalier Rear Adm. Kenneth Paul Moritsugu.
Twenty-six years ago, Moritsugu presided over the investiture of Chevalier Steven Brock of Aiea as the next Lazarite from Hawaii. Ten years ago, they established the Cadre of Hawaii, a sub-jurisdiction of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem’s Grand Priory of America.
The Order of Saint Lazarus, an ecumenical chivalric organization, unites individuals from various Christian denominations in a shared commitment to humanitarian aid, a mission it has upheld since 1098.
In Hawaii, the order’s charitable efforts primarily focus on supporting those affected by Hansen’s disease, formerly known as leprosy. Through its work, the order seeks to improve the lives of Hansen’s disease patients and support their kokua at Kalaupapa, Molokai, and beyond.
Members of the order come from diverse vocations and walks of life, including religious men and women; public servants; and professionals in fields such as finance, health care, tourism and telecommunications.
While its primary charitable focus remains Hansen’s disease outreach, the order also supports organ donation, transplantation efforts and charitable outreach to marginalized communities.
Over the past decade, notable activities by the Hawaii cadre include hosting pilgrimages to Kalaupapa to raise awareness and foster education; providing digital equipment to facilitate telehealth appointments and Zoom visits with family for Kalaupapa and Hale Mohalu Hospital patients during the COVID-19 pandemic; and funding food pantries at local parishes.
In January 2022, Bishop Larry Silva and seven others were inducted into the order at the first investiture for the Hawaii cadre, held at St. Augustine by the Sea Church in Waikiki. St. Damien and St. Marianne were honored as honorary members, receiving the ranks of knight commander and dame commander, respectively, for their heroic service to Hawaii’s people.
The order’s 10th anniversary in Hawaii coincides with the elevation of Hawaii’s first Lazarite to the order’s highest ranks. Moritsugu last year became the grand commander of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, overseeing the order’s charitable and administrative work in dozens of countries worldwide.
Moritsugu, a specialist in internal medicine, understands the interconnectedness of individual and community health. While attending George Washington University School of Medicine, he received a commission in the U.S. Public Health Service and served in various roles during his 37-year career in uniform.
His guiding motto is simple yet profound: “To dignify the lives of those we serve.”
January is Kalaupapa Month
In January, Hawaii observes Kalaupapa Month, established in 2021 by then-Gov. David Ige to honor the people and history of the Hansen’s disease settlement in Kalaupapa. The month invites reflection on the legacies of St. Damien and St. Marianne, as well as Servant of God Joseph Dutton.
Embodying lives of service is one way people can live out the legacies of these holy men and women. Many organizations exist to help people carry out this mission, such as the Knights of Columbus, the Order of Saint Lazarus and lay communities such as those run by the Marianist order.
