By Father Anthony TranSpecial to the Herald This fall, I had the privilege of leading 60 pilgrims from Hawaii on a grace-filled journey through Europe — visiting Italy, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. What began as a pilgrimage of hope quickly unfolded into a powerful encounter with God’s mercy, the communion of saints and the […]
Museum restores and opens St. Damien’s birth home to public
Hawaii Catholic Herald St. Damien’s Belgian birth home is now open to the general public after months of restoration. Ruben Boon, curator of the Damien Museum in Tremelo, said in an email bulletin that the work took about nine months. The restoration included the installation of a permanent exhibit featuring “original furniture and interior elements, […]
Pope challenged on views of women’s role in church, society
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE, Belgium — Students at the world’s oldest Catholic university applauded Pope Francis for his calls to protect the environment and promote justice, but he was challenged when it came to his vision of the role of women in the church and society. The world must make a choice: […]
Belgian officials visit Kalaupapa to honor beloved countryman
By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald A delegation of nine Belgians was in Hawaii this month to commemorate the 150th anniversary of their revered countryman, St. Damien de Veuster, stepping foot on Molokai, and to sign a “commitment statement” with Bishop Larry Silva, Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Kalaupapa residents, representatives of […]
Bishop remembers cardinal who promoted Damien’s cause
Bishop Larry Silva sent a letter of condolences to the archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels in Belgium upon the death of his predecessor, Cardinal Godfried Danneels, who was an ardent advocate for the canonization of his countryman, St. Damien de Veuster of Molokai. Cardinal Danneels, retired archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, died March 14 at the age of 85. […]