Political Quotes

“I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the upcoming beatification of the Blessed Damien De Veuster. All of Hawaii looks forward to May 15, 1994, the day when he will be one step closer to the papal designation of Saint. In 1873, at 33, Father Damien came to the leper colony of Kalaupapa, on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. What he found there would have turned lesser men away in disgust. The people afflicted with Hansen's disease, or leprosy, lived in a filthy, lawless state with the strong ruthlessly taking advantage of the weak at every opportunity. They were living in the worst conditions possible, and existed without hope for any kind of future. Overcoming the natural suspicion of the patients he had been sent to care for, Father Damien mobilized the settlement. Those who were able constructed houses with wood from the previous settlement at Kalawao. Father Damien was the first outsider to willingly touch the 'unclean' and to physically minister to them every day, changing bandages, bathing open sores, consoling those unfortunates whose physical deformities repulsed even the other patients. Through his tireless compassionate efforts, the settlement of Kalaupapa was transformed into a Christian community. Most importantly, Father Damien lifted the hopes and spirits of the patients he so willingly served.”