VATICAN CITY — In front of thousands this morning in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI was to make official what many in Hawaiçi always knew — that “Kamiano” of Molokaçi, whose unwavering compassion in the face of so much suffering has become a parable for our times, led a life worthy of elevation to sainthood.

More than 550 Islanders made the 12,000-mile trek to Rome for the canonization of Hawaiçi’s first saint, which comes 120 years after Father Damien’s death in Kalaupapa from Hansen’s disease and follows a decades-long push to see the hero that the isolated Hansen’s disease settlement gave the world recognized for his tremendous sacrifice.
The canonization was held in the basilica at the last minute because of wet weather. It meant that far fewer people were able to watch the ceremony in person because the basilica’s maximum capacity is about 20,000. The square can fit 50,000 or more.
Sitting in the front row at the basilica shortly after attendees were allowed in around 8:30 a.m. were 11 of the last remaining Hawaiçi residents sent to Kalaupapa after being diagnosed with Hansen’s disease when the state still imposed quarantine restrictions on those with the sickness.
Today, those patients are mostly in their 70s and 80s, and are grateful to be witnessing Father Damien’s canonization. So many of their friends died before the day came, they said.
Kalaupapa resident Elroy Makia Malo called Father Damien his hero.
“He caught the disease and he died,” Malo said. “To have given his life for what he believed in. Oh, it makes me feel small.”
Patient Gloria Marks added, “Everybody’s all excited, looking forward to the last moment.”
The pontiff was to emerge about 10 a.m. (10 p.m. Hawaiçi time today) for the canonization, during which Father Damien and four others were to be elevated to sainthood.
Among the diplomats to be seated near the pope were the royal couple of Belgium, where native son Father Damien de Veuster is a national icon and beloved hero.
Also seated in a VIP section was çAiea resident Audrey Toguchi, whose cure from an aggressive cancer 11 years ago after refusing medical treatment and praying to Father Damien instead was the second miracle attributed to the priest, assuring his elevation to sainthood.
Hanging on the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica facing St. Peter’s Square were five huge tapestries — one for each saint — that measured about 14 feet long and 12 feet wide. The image used for Damien’s tapestry is one of the most well-known photos of the priest, taken near the end of his life, where the tell-tale signs of Hansen’s disease were evident on his face and his hands.
The Very Rev. Javier Alvarez Ossorio, superior general of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, of which Father Damien was a member, said the photo was chosen because it shows the priest bearing a “badge of honor” that he wore proudly because it brought him closer to the people he served.
About 250 Sacred Hearts brothers and 150 Sacred Hearts sisters from around the world attended the canonization — the biggest assembly of Sacred Hearts congregation members in years. Ossorio said the canonization is a joyous occasion and the highest possible affirmation that Damien lived a holy life.
Father Damien will be the first saint from the Sacred Hearts congregation, and the ninth person who has been elevated to sainthood for good works on what is now American soil.
For more on this story, see tomorrow’s Honolulu Advertiser.