Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 26, Number 11, 1 November 2009 — Damien an inspiration [ARTICLE]

Damien an inspiration

When I was in the fourth grade at St. Anthony's Grade School in Kalihi, I wrote a composition on Father Damien. I read about this wonderful man who lived on Moloka'i with those with leprosy. He cared for them, dressed their wounds and buried them when they died. Father Damien caught leprosy himself. I received an A+ on my composition. I always prayed someday he would heeome a saint, and today, 2009, he is being canonized. He has always been my patron saint whom I prayed to. I promised myself when I had my first daughter I would name her after Father Damien. Her name is Damienna Roselani Kaheaku. Minam Roselani Kaheaku Tortolero San Francisco, California