Many island Catholics have marked October 11th on their calendars.
"Oh yes I sure am, I sure am," said Elroy "Makia" Malo, Kalaupapa patient.
It's the day Father Damien will be canonized, becoming Hawaii's first Saint.
"I think it's well deserved," said Malo.
And these eight Kalaupapa patients will be there to witness it. Chosen by the Diocese of Honolulu.
"I know in myself I feel I'm touched, I'm touched," said "Boogie" Kahilihiwa, Kalaupapa patient. "It's a treat because we come from there he was one of us."
Father Damien is remembered for helping Hansen's disease patients at Kalaupapa in the 1870's. Now the Catholic Church wants to help Kalaupapa patients again, and offset the cost of sending them and a caregiver to Rome for this historic pilgrimage.
"I would think if anyone belongs to be front and center in Rome for the canonization will be the patients that are still remaining," said Paul Cunney, Damien Canonization Committee.
A benefit dinner is being planned for July 18th to make that happen.
"Financially they wouldn't be able to go, they don't have the funds," said Cunney.
"Father Damien is like part of their family," said Bishop Larry Silva. "They really wanted to be there so we're trying to help them fulfill that dream."
"The Kalaupapa patients will also be a part of bringing back a relic of Blessed Damien, that will be permanently placed at Our Lady of Peace in downtown Honolulu"
It's here where he was ordained as a priest.
"This is a long time...we've been waiting for this time," said Meli Watanuki, Kalaupapa patient.
"Well, I can't wait for the day to come, I'm excited and I look forward for the day," said Kahilihiwa.
The fundraiser will be held on July 18th at 5:00pm at the Sheraton Waikiki. Organizers are hoping to raise about $225,000. Monies raised will also help pay for costs of taking the relic island to island before it is enshrined at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral. And will fund the Richard Marks Endowment for Native Hawaiian students of the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the U.H.
For more information or to buy tickets, call: #349-9900 or e-mail:
gjk@hawaii.edu
