Special to the Herald
On the northern tip of Hawaii island, a quiet but meaningful effort is underway to honor one of the most important figures in the history of the church in Hawaii: St. Damien de Veuster of Molokai.
Sacred Heart Church in Hawi, the parish where Father Damien served before answering the call that would lead him to Molokai, has begun “Project Saint Damien Pathway to Molokai.” The project seeks to create a lasting place of prayer, reflection and remembrance that honors the life and witness of the man who would become the patron saint of Hawaii.
Before his self-giving ministry among those suffering from Hansen’s disease on Molokai, Father Damien pastored Sacred Heart Church. From this rural parish, he discerned and accepted the mission that would define his life: caring for those who had been cast aside, forgotten and condemned to isolation. His work among the sick and dying stands as one of the clearest examples of Christ’s love lived out through the church.
Project Saint Damien aims to install a life-size bronze statue of St. Damien on parish grounds, surrounded by a garden designed for prayer and quiet reflection. A brick walkway will lead visitors through the space, with engraved bricks available in honor or memory of loved ones.
In this way, the project invites the wider community to participate not only in funding the effort, but also in creating a shared place of remembrance and devotion.
The projected completion date is May 10, 2027, St. Damien’s feast day. When finished, the statue and garden will stand as a visible reminder of St. Damien’s courage, humility and love, and of Hawaii’s deep Catholic history rooted in service to the most vulnerable.
As this project moves forward, the faithful are encouraged to share the story of Saint Damien and this effort to honor him. In doing so, the church continues her mission: keeping alive the memory of a priest who showed the world what it means to love, and to carry our crosses like Christ, without counting the cost.
Support for this project has come from parishioners, local supporters and those across Hawaii and beyond who wish to honor St. Damien’s legacy.
For more information or to support the project, call the parish office at (808) 889-6434. Donations can be mailed to Sacred Heart Church Hawi, PO Box 220, Hawi, HI 96719. To make an online donation, go to http://bit.ly/4m4UiLK.
Justin Weiss and the Project Saint Damien planning committee compiled this report.