On Monday, May 11, at 1:30 PM, The Hon. Geert Bourgeois, Minister-President of the Government of Flanders and His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan inaugurated "Father Damien Way" together at the Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on 33rd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue in New York City (NYC). Next, the inauguration was made public by the unveiling of the official street sign.
In 2009 Father Damien de Veuster sscc was canonized by the Vatican. He was the 10th person recognized as a Saint by the Catholic Church to have lived, worked, or died in what is now the U.S. His legacy of faith, compassion, and dedication for the most vulnerable is an inspiration to all.
The event was to commemorate and to celebrate the Leper Priest’s legacy, by giving the name “Father Damien Way” to the portion of the 33rd Street that extends between First and Second avenues. The Bellevue Hospital, home to the only Hansen’s Disease clinic in the mid-Atlantic region, is located within close proximity to the block.
Also it seems to be providentially fitting that the “Father Damien Way” is chosen to be on the block of the Chapel that is dedicated to the same Sacred Hearts of the Congregation that Damien belongs to.
Also witnessing the ceremony were two Hansen’s disease patients from Kalaupapa, Clarence “Boogie” and Ivy Kahilihiwa, who were accompanied by two Franciscan nuns, Cheryl Wint and Alicia Damien Lau. Our brother Lane Akiona sscc, pastor of St. Augustine, in Waikiki, Honolulu, was also present at the celebration.
CLICK
05/14/2015