Date for Fr. Damien’s Canonization Announced

Blessed Damien will be canonized on Sunday, October 11, 2009, in Rome by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, was present in Rome for the official announcement on Saturday, February 21st.

Here in Hawaii two Masses were celebrated in thanksgiving for the announcement of Blessed Damien’s Canonization date. Both Masses were celebrated by Father Marc Alexander, Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu:

*Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
     Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 5:00pm (HST)

*St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa
     Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 9:00am (HST)

At both Masses award winning singer, Glenn Medeiros, sang his original composition about Fr. Damien, “You Were Not Afraid.” The lyrics have now made available below as of 2/23/09.

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You Were Not Afraid by Glenn Medeiros

Verse 1
Far across the open sea
Risked your life to be with me
Light of hope for all to see
But you were not afraid to go on
You were not afraid

Verse 2
Everything I loved so much
Cast away without a touch
As the tears began to rush down
You were not afraid to hold me
You were not afraid

Bridge
The winds of Kalaupapa were so cold
But your faith helped me to find my soul
The stories of his love you told
Taught me I would never be alone

Verse 3
Lying here I see you face
Soon I’ll be at heaven’s gate
I know you’ll be right there waiting
Now I’m not afraid to go on
Now I’m not afraid to be strong
I am not afraid anymore

Words and Music by Glenn Medeiros

Copyright 2009