Catholics around the world — but especially in Hawaii — are preparing to celebrate the canonization this Sunday of Blessed Damien de Veuster, the Belgian-born priest who gave his life to minister among those with Hansen’s disease in Hawaii.
CNS/courtesy of Honolulu Diocese.
Over the years and particularly in recent weeks, we’ve had many stories about the lives Blessed Damien touched. Here are a few:
Life has changed for woman whose cancer cure led to canonization
Woman whose father knew Blessed Damien brings family back to Hawaii
Park service planning for future of community served by Blessed Damien
Canonization of Father Damien to end long journey for priest
Charity in action: Impact of new saints continues in United States
You can also follow the blog entries and the tweets from members of a pilgrimage group from Honolulu heading to Rome — via Belgium — for the canonization. Check the Hawaii Catholic Herald blog and the pilgrims’ Twitter feed.
Be sure to return to the CNS blog next Monday to read what Pope Benedict XVI has to say when he canonizes Father Damien and four others.