OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“‘For’ them, and above all ‘with’ people who are victims of leprosy, we must engage ourselves more deeply so that they can find welcome, solidarity and justice.” (Cardinal Peter Turkson, 64th World Leprosy [Hansen’s Disease] Day, Jan. 29)
We met an amazing man of many talents. He is a singer, a storyteller, a pianist and poet. When he smiles, he can light up any room — and he laughs a lot, despite having lost his feet, his hands and his eyesight to Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy. He is one of hundreds in Hawaii who has suffered from this condition over the past century. Nearly five million people around the world continue to be afflicted with the disease, with 200,000 new cases reported each year.
Recently, on the Sunday when the Gospel had us reflecting on the blessings of the Beatitudes, the Vatican called us to consider the plight of these persons on what was also World Leprosy Day. Over the decades, with the Catholic Church in the front lines, much progress has been made in combatting Hansen’s disease. But much still needs to be done. The Vatican’s new Office for Promoting Integral Human Development, led by Cardinal Peter Turkson, points out that “every new case of Hansen’s disease is one case too many, as is every residual form of stigma attached to it. Every law that discriminates against patients with Hansen’s disease is one law too many, as is every form of indifference.”
Two iconic figures in Hawaii, both shining examples of people who served with those suffering from Hansen’s disease, are honored with public statues, one in front of the State Capitol, the other above the shores of Kewalo Basin. Today, the legacies of St. Damien and St. Marianne are carried on by members of the Sacred Hearts and Franciscan religious communities. They remind us that it was the marginalized and vulnerable who helped make Father Damien and Mother Marianne saints by bringing out the best in them — just as persons with Hansen’s disease today continue to bring out the best in each other and those caring for them.
Just ask the nurses and doctors at Kalaupapa and at Hale Mohalu at Leahi Hospital on Oahu or anyone who has been blessed with the opportunity to serve and talk story with Hawaii’s patients of Hansen’s disease. There is an incredible joy to watch two of them harmonizing on “Lahainaluna,” to kaukau with others enjoying their favorite meal of hotdogs and sushi while reminiscing about their kolohe days in Kalaupapa, to watch DVDs of classical and Hawaiian music with them, to celebrate one’s successful eye surgery, to witness another’s big beautiful smile, to laugh and dance with them. These are just a few examples of encountering God in the folks in Kalaupapa.
The amazing survivors of Hansen’s disease continue to be special blessings — living beatitudes in so many ways, calling us to encounter God in our midst —very blessed reminders that much work is still to be done to address the needs of all the marginalized among us. Let us follow in the footsteps of Hawaii’s saints and witness to Jesus as we work to not only eradicate the disease but to welcome all these living treasures in solidarity, justice and aloha.
Mahalo,
Your friends from the Office of Social Ministry
