[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 50 (Monday, May 2, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             THE BEATIFICATION OF BLESSED DAMIEN DE VEUSTER

  Mr. INOUYE. Madam President, 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.
  He ministered to the people of Kalaupapa for 16 years, traveling 
between Molokai and Oahu to beg for medical supplies and other basic 
necessities. They truly became his family. When he was finally stricken 
with leprosy, it is said that he rejoiced in telling his people, ``At 
last, I am one of you.'' According to historical records, Father Damien 
was the first and only person who came into Kalaupapa ``clean'' and 
eventually died of leprosy.
  With the development of sulfone drugs, Hansen's disease is one of the 
least contagious and most curable ailments in the world. The people who 
currently reside in Kalaupapa are no longer required to isolate 
themselves from society but, for the most part, have chosen to remain 
there. Some will be traveling to Belgium for the beatification ceremony 
of the man who, through his tireless Christian efforts, created the 
settlement they live in and love.
  In today's world of incurable diseases, abandoned children, abuse of 
the weak and elderly, and oppressed minorities, the compassionate 
example of Father Damien is most important and relevant. We must learn 
from this humble man who lived without fear among the despised of 
Hawaii's society, who spread the Christian doctrine through word and 
example.
  On May 15, 1994, we will celebrate the happy occasion of Blessed 
Damien De Veuster's beatification in Brussels, Belgium. He will then be 
known by the fitting title ``Servant of God, Servant of Humanity.'' 
Hawaii joins the rest of the world in honoring our beloved Father 
Damien.

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