Photo by Larry A. Peplin Henry Miga of St. Isidore Parish in Macomb Township touches the reliquary containing a heel bone of St. Damien of Molokai. The relic was received into the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit on Tuesday evening. View more photos.

Saint Damien of Molokai was a 19th century priest who was born in Belgium and became known for his compassionate ministry to those suffering from Hansen's disease, or leprosy, in a quarantined Hawaiian community. He was canonized a saint on October 11 by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
 
A relic of his was in Detroit on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament for veneration and a series of liturgies.

 

The meaning and purpose of relics 

St. Damien canonization means new name for parish

 

 

Additional Resources

 

Detroit Free Press
Priest with leprosy now a saint; Pontiac church to bear his name

 

Detroit News
Priest who suffered from leprosy elevated to saint
Relic of lepers' patron coming to Detroit

 

New York Times
Hawaii Celebrates Canonization of First Saint

Benedict Canonizes 5 New Saints
Father Damien's Message
Belgium, Honolulu Bishop Celebrate 'Leper Priest'

 

Wall Street Journal
Pope Canonizes Five New Saints

 

 

Honolulu Advertiser
Saint Damien relic returns to Hawaii Home

 

American Catholic
Damien Relic to Return to Hawaii After Canonization
Hawaiians Hope to Give Pope Painting of Damien
Blessed Damien of Molokai

 

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