October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11319 area had literally been leveled and The quakes have devastated the region, de- COMMEMORATING THE CANON- ships from port were swept inland by stroying over 83,700 houses, 200 public build- IZATION OF DE the water’s force. Of course, the human ings, 285 schools, and have also caused ex- VEUSTER TO SAINTHOOD tragedy was incalculable. Children be- tensive damage to an additional 100,000 Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, came orphans instantly. Mothers, fa- buildings including hotels, mosques, shops, I move to suspend the rules and agree thers and families were devastated. and hospitals, and approximately twenty miles to the resolution (H. Res. 786) com- The recovery efforts in which the of roads. Lying near the intersection of shifting memorating the canonization of Father United States played a major role were tectonic plates, Indonesia is prone to earth- Damien de Veuster, SS.CC. to saint- extraordinary. What I was most im- quakes and volcanic eruptions. Such devasta- hood, as amended. pressed with, however, was the remark- tion is yet another tragedy to strike the region, able resiliency and spirit of the people which is still recovering from the 2004 earth- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- of Banda Aceh. It is that same resil- quake born from this very same fault line that tion. iency that I am sure will rise again out resulted in the Indian Ocean tsunami and the The text of the resolution is as fol- of the tragedies of the earthquakes and loss of over 230,000 lives. lows: aftershocks of September 2009. As a result, I am very pleased to join my H. RES. 786 My thoughts are with those who were colleagues today in passing House Resolution Whereas Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC. lost, their loved ones, and the tens of 810 expressing our condolences to the Indo- was born Joseph de Veuster in , Bel- thousands of survivors who are strug- nesian people for the devastating earthquake gium, on January 3, 1840, and in 1859, at age gling in the aftermath. I stand with and loss of life in their Sumatra region. 19, he entered the Congregation of the Sacred President Obama in his offer of assist- I would also like to commend the courage Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Louvain and se- ance that will help alleviate the suf- and perseverance of the Indonesian govern- lected Damien as his religious name; fering and provide relief in this region. ment and people as they work tirelessly with Whereas in 1863, Father Damien received Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, permission to replace his ill brother, and humanitarian organizations in distributing aid sailed to the Hawaiian Islands to perform we continue to reserve. and mobilizing relief efforts. All the while, missionary work; Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, strong aftershocks continue to rock the region Whereas Father Damien arrived in Hono- I yield myself such time as I may con- and create hazardous conditions for both resi- lulu, on March 19, 1864, was ordained sume. dents and rescue workers. to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Our Mr. Speaker, I will say that Indo- There is still much to be done, yet the Indo- Lady of Peace on May 21, 1864, and began his nesia has come a long way in estab- nesian government and countless other hu- pastoral ministry on the island of Hawaii; lishing its democracy, being the largest manitarian and private groups continue to pro- Whereas the Hawaiian Government de- democratic country. It happens to be a vide emergency assistance to those in need. ported individuals infected with leprosy, now Muslim country with a population of also known as Hansen’s disease, to a penin- The U.S. also shows our support as we re- sula on the island of , to prevent fur- some 225 million people. affirm our commitment by releasing millions in ther spread of the disease, and Bishop Louis I want to also commend President aid and contributing to the widespread inter- Maigret, SS.CC. sought the help of Father SBY for all that he is trying to do in national response. We continue to regard In- Damien and other priests to provide spiritual helping the good people of West Papua. donesia as an important ally, recognizing its assistance for the sufferers of Hansen’s dis- There have been some difficulties along recent democratic transition and trans- ease; the way, but I suspect that every effort formation into the world’s third largest democ- Whereas several priests volunteered to is being made to address the needs of racy. In addition, hosting the world’s largest work on Molokai for a few months, but Fa- the people of West Papua. Certainly I ther Damien requested to remain perma- Muslim majority, the people of Indonesia dem- nently with the individuals suffering from congratulate them on the recent na- onstrate that Islam and democracy are not Hansen’s disease, and was among the first to tional elections that were done in such mutually exclusive and can successfully work leave for the island of Molokai on May 10, a way that it was again demonstrated in tandem. Thus, we look forward to fostering 1873; that democracy can happen in a Mus- future cooperation between the United States Whereas for 16 years, Father Damien lim country like Indonesia. and Indonesia in the areas of trade, national served as a voice of hope and a source of con- So I want us to realize that only 5 security, and cultural awareness and apprecia- solation and encouragement for the individ- years ago we had a tsunami that also tion. uals afflicted with Hansen’s disease; Whereas working together, Father Damien impacted Indonesia, that some 220,000 The Indonesian people have seen tremen- people died as a result of that terrible and the people isolated on the Kalaupapa pe- dous change in the last decade, and they ninsula accomplished remarkable achieve- disaster, and for which I am very grate- once again continue to persevere through ments, including building houses and hos- ful that our country responded in such tragedy. It is my hope that our nations will only pitals, taking care of the patients’ spiritual a way that I think the people of Indo- continue to grow in our commitment to one and physical needs, building 6 chapels, con- nesia deeply appreciated our assist- another and to freedom, justice, and democ- structing a home for boys and a home for ance. racy. girls, and burying the hundreds who died So we are at this again. Another dis- I would like to thank Congressman BERMAN during his years on the island of Molokai; Whereas Father Damien died on April 15, aster struck Indonesia, and I thank the and Ranking Member ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN for administration for all the efforts that 1889, after contracting Hansen’s disease, and helping to move this important resolution to his remains were transferred to Belgium in are being made to give assistance to the floor. 1936, where he was interred in the crypt of the good people of Indonesia. And, again I extend my heartfelt condo- the church of the Congregation of the Sacred Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I lences to the Indonesian people and the family Hearts at Louvain; have the honor and privilege of co-chairing the and friends of those who are suffering greatly Whereas in 1938, the process for beatifi- Congressional Indonesia Caucus with my as a result of this disaster. cation for Father Damien was introduced at good friend, Congressman WEXLER. Accord- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Malines, Belgium; ingly, I want to take this moment to express we yield back the balance of our time. Whereas in April 1965, the Legislature of my heartfelt condolences to the citizens of In- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, the State of Hawaii selected Father Damien as the first of its two selections for the Na- donesia, the President, and the Indonesian I yield back the balance of my time. tional Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. government in the aftermath of the devastating The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Capitol; earthquakes that struck the West Sumatra re- question is on the motion offered by Whereas, on April 15, 1969, a statue of Fa- gion this past month. the gentleman from American Samoa ther Damien and a statue of King Kameha- On September 30, 2009, a 7.6 magnitude (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House meha I, gifts from the State of Hawaii, were earthquake that originated northwest of the suspend the rules and agree to the reso- unveiled at the Capitol Rotunda; city of Padang (population: 900,000) led to the lution, H. Res. 810. Whereas, on July 7, 1977, Pope Paul VI de- loss of 800 lives. Countless more remain The question was taken; and (two- clared Father Damien ‘‘venerable’’, the first thirds being in the affirmative) the of 3 steps that lead to sainthood; missing and are presumed dead while thou- Whereas, on June 4, 1995, Pope John Paul II sands have been displaced from their homes rules were suspended and the resolu- declared Father Damien ‘‘Blessed Damien’’, that were either destroyed or remain unsafe tion was agreed to. and his feast is on May 10, the day Father as ongoing tremors continue to bring uncer- A motion to reconsider was laid on Damien first entered the island of Molokai; tainty to the area. the table. and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.035 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Whereas Father Damien will be canonized until he died on April 15, 1889, after We all fervently wish that this past a saint on October 11, 2009, by Pope Benedict contracting the disease himself. Sunday’s canonization of yet another XVI: Now, therefore, be it In 1977, recognizing his life of good American saint will bring blessings to Resolved, That the House of Representa- works and the sacrifice he made in tives honors and praises Father Damien for our country at a time of economic un- his legacy, work, service, and his insistence helping others, Pope Paul VI began the certainty at home and perils abroad. on recognizing the human rights and dignity process that would ultimately lead to I urge my colleagues to strongly sup- of every individual, particularly those who sainthood for Father Damien. port this resolution. lived alongside him at the Hansen’s disease Mr. Speaker, just last Sunday, Fa- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of settlement on the island of Molokai. ther Damien was finally canonized as a my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- saint by Pope Benedict XVI. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to honor the ant to the rule, the gentleman from I yield myself 2 minutes. American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) life and accomplishments of Father Damien and his legacy of self-sacrifice Mr. Speaker, years ago it was my and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. privilege to have been invited by the ROS-LEHTINEN) each will control 20 by supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of famous native Hawaiian navigator minutes. Nainoa Thompson to be a member of The Chair recognizes the gentleman my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I the crew of the famous Hawaiian from American Samoa. yield myself such time as I may con- voyaging canoe Hokule‘a. We sailed GENERAL LEAVE sume. from Tahiti, and it took us about 27 Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this days until finally we sighted the fa- I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- resolution commemorating the canon- mous mountains of Mauna Kea. bers may have 5 legislative days to re- ization of Father Damien on Sunday, Part of our traveling along the Ha- vise and extend their remarks and in- October 11, by Pope Benedict XVI. I waiian chain of islands was that we clude extraneous material on the reso- thank Ms. HIRONO and the Hawaiian also visited the famous peninsula lution under consideration. delegation for introducing this resolu- called Kalaupapa on the island of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tion honoring a true American hero. Molokai where we visited and stayed objection to the request of the gen- When Father Damien first arrived in there, resting before we went on to the tleman from American Samoa? Hawaii as a missionary in 1864, he was island of Oahu. It was there, Mr. There was no objection. only 24 years old. After the Hawaiian Speaker, that I saw the legacy of Fa- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Government ordered the quarantine of ther Damien’s work in dealing with the I rise in strong support of this resolu- those affected with leprosy to a settle- native Hawaiian people, or anybody tion and yield myself such time as I ment on the island of Molokai, Father who contracted leprosy who was sent may consume. Damien volunteered to go minister to to that island to remain there for the Mr. Speaker, this resolution com- their care. rest of their lives. memorates the canonization of Father The Catholic bishop introduced Fa- Damien de Veuster for his selfless The unfortunate stories that I have ther Damien to his new 816 parish- heard in the treatment of these people works ministering to those suffering ioners in the year 1873 as ‘‘one who will from Hansen’s disease, also known as is that they were just dropped off, not be a father to you, and one who loves even on the wharf. They were just sim- leprosy, on the Hawaiian island of you so much that he does not hesitate Molokai. I would also like to thank my ply taken there, and they had to swim to become one of you, to live and die to the islands in order to get there. good friend Ms. HIRONO from the State with you.’’ What a terrible way of treating those of Hawaii for sponsoring and authoring While Father Damien’s first action this resolution and for working to en- people that were screened or realized was to build a church, he did not limit that they had Hansen’s disease. sure that Father Damien’s legacy is his role to that of a priest. He dressed But I just wanted to describe the never forgotten. ulcers, built homes and beds, built cof- memory of seeing the school and the Many of us here and our colleagues fins and dug graves. Father Damien’s grave sites and the little community who walk the Halls of the Congress arrival was a turning point for the dis- that was built, for which Father have oftentimes passed by the distinc- ease-afflicted community, which, given Damien was very responsible in helping tive statue of Father Damien in the new hope, built homes instead of those who were in need and the people Capitol, yet few of us understood that shacks, constructed new schools and who contracted Hansen’s disease on the this was a man who essentially gave organized working farms. his life in order to help others. Father Damien contracted the dis- island of Molokai on this particular pe- In 1863, at the age of 23, Father ease as a result of this ministry and ninsula, the beautiful, beautiful penin- Damien left his home in Belgium, sail- died at the age of 49 on April 15, 1889, a sula of Kalaupapa, very, very histor- ing to Hawaii to perform missionary date still commemorated in Hawaii. ical; and I know this is true also to our work. At that time, the Hawaiian Gov- No less an authority than Mahatma native Hawaiian community. ernment deported those who had con- Gandhi wrote the following concerning Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my tracted Hansen’s disease to a place Father Damien: ‘‘The political and good friend, the distinguished author of called Kalaupapa on the island of journalistic world can boast of very few this legislation, the gentlewoman from Molokai to prevent the spread of the heroes who compare with Father Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO). disease. Though he was aware of the Damien of Molokai. It is worthwhile to Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I would risks of contracting leprosy, Father look for those sources of such her- like to thank my friends, the gen- Damien decided to move to Molokai oism.’’ tleman from American Samoa and the permanently in order to be with those Given his work with those who suf- gentlelady from Florida, for their kind who suffered there. fered from a disease which carried a so- remarks in support of this resolution. Isolated from society on the cial stigma, Father Damien has also I rise today in support of my resolu- Kalaupapa peninsula on the island of become the unofficial patron of those tion commemorating the canonization Molokai, Father Damien and those to afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The world’s of Father Damien, a member of the whom he ministered had many remark- only Roman Catholic memorial chapel congregation of the Sacred Hearts of able achievements: building schools dedicated to those who have died of Jesus and Mary, to sainthood this past and hospitals, constructing churches HIV/AIDS, located in Montreal, Can- Sunday, October 11, 2009. and homes, and attending to the spir- ada, is consecrated to him. We can all celebrate the life of St. itual and physical needs of those suf- We in the Congress have long been Damien, a man who put his faith and fering from Hansen’s disease, or lep- aware of the deep affection felt by the principles into action in the service of rosy. people of the Aloha State for their a group of people who suffered not only For 16 years, Father Damien served adopted son. A statue of Father the physical effects of leprosy, now as a voice of hope and a source of con- Damien was one of the two sent from known as Hansen’s disease, but also solation and encouragement for indi- the then-new State of Hawaii to be from the terrible stigma associated viduals afflicted with Hansen’s disease, placed in the Nation’s Capitol in 1965. with the disease.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.009 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11321 b 1215 I have visited Father Damien’s grave around the world without regard to time and Father Damien is recognized for his at Kalawao on the Kalaupapa penin- place. Father Damien’s hope and devotion 16 years of selfless service to the people sula, and as you can see by this photo continue to strengthen all of us today, and his who were forcibly isolated on the pe- that was taken when I visited sainthood affirms this for eternity. ninsula of Kalaupapa, on the island of Kalaupapa, it seems almost unreal. It I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- Molokai, Hawaii, because they were di- is a beautiful place where tremendous tion and Father Damien’s work and legacy, a agnosed with Hansen’s disease. Living suffering took place, but also a place timeless example of compassion and dedica- among the people of Kalaupapa from imbued with great spiritual feeling. tion. 1873 to 1889, he eventually contracted Father Damien’s grave site is marked Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the disease, ultimately died from its ef- on this photo in the far left. of my time. fects, and was buried on Molokai. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The policy of exiling persons with the time of the gentlewoman has expired. question is on the motion offered by disease that was then known as leprosy Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield the the gentleman from American Samoa began under the Kingdom of Hawaii gentlewoman an additional 1 minute. (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House and continued under the governments Ms. HIRONO. I hope that you will suspend the rules and agree to the reso- of the Republic of Hawaii, the Terri- have the opportunity to visit lution, H. Res. 786, as amended. tory of Hawaii and the State of Hawaii. Kalaupapa at some point in your lives. The question was taken. Children, mothers and fathers were I know that you will be deeply moved, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the forcibly separated and sent to as I was, by the example of this man, opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Kalaupapa, which for most of its his- this saint, as well as by the courage in the affirmative, the ayes have it. tory could only be accessed by water or and perseverance of the people he dedi- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, via a steep mule trail. Children born to cated his life to serving. on that I demand the yeas and nays. parents at Kalaupapa were taken away Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, The yeas and nays were ordered. from their mothers and sent to orphan- we have no further requests for time, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ages or to other family members out- and I yield back the balance of our ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the side Kalaupapa. Hawaii’s isolation laws time. Chair’s prior announcement, further for people with Hansen’s disease were Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I would like proceedings on this motion will be not repealed until 1969, even though to ask just a couple more minutes to postponed. say I want to share with my colleagues medications to control the disease have f been available since the late 1940s. another beautiful story, a legacy of Fa- I believe that all people, regardless of ther Damien. This is a story about a CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF their religious beliefs, can recognize native Hawaiian leader by the name of UNITED STATES-POLISH DIPLO- truly extraordinary persons who give Jonathan Napela. And when this Ha- MATIC RELATIONS of themselves without reserve for the waiian leader found out that his wife Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, betterment of their fellow human had contracted Hansen’s disease, he I move to suspend the rules and agree beings. Father Damien was surely such went with her to Kalaupapa, lived with to the resolution (H. Res. 266) cele- a person. No sickness was as feared as her throughout the rest of his life, and brating 90 years of United States-Pol- leprosy in the late 1800s, but he volun- he also contracted Hansen’s disease be- ish diplomatic relations, during which teered to serve at Kalaupapa and re- cause of the love that he had for his Poland has proven to be an exception- quested to stay there in order to serve wife, and they lived there, working ally strong partner to the United those who were most shunned. He rec- with Father Damien and other leaders States in advancing freedom around ognized the human rights and inherent there in this little community of the world, as amended. dignity of all people, especially those Kalaupapa. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- he lived alongside at Kalaupapa. And I just wanted to note that for tion. Father Damien worked with the peo- the RECORD. This famous native Hawai- The text of the resolution is as fol- ple of Kalaupapa to improve their liv- ian leader by the name of Jonathan lows: ing conditions. A skilled carpenter, he Napela also was a beautiful story of H. RES. 266 led in the building of houses and hos- how much he was able to help the com- Whereas the United States established dip- pitals, six chapels, a home for boys and munity there in Kalaupapa and the is- lomatic relations with the newly inde- a home for girls. At the same time, he land of Molokai. pendent Second Polish Republic in April ministered to the spiritual and phys- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise 1919; ical needs of his parishioners and today to support H. Res. 786 in commemo- Whereas the year 2009 marks the 20th anni- helped to bury the hundreds who died rating the canonization of Father Damien de versary of the fall of communism in Poland, during his years there. Veuster to sainthood. as well as the restoration of democracy and It is noteworthy that shortly after The canonization of Father Damien com- market economy in that country; Hawaii became a State, Father Damien pletes his ascension to sainthood and gives Whereas the year 2009 marks the 10th anni- was the first selection of the State leg- universal veneration to a life of extraordinary versary of Poland’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); islature to be memorialized in a statue commitment, charity, and faith. It has been Whereas the year 2009 marks the 5th anni- as part of the more than 120 years since his death on the versary of Poland’s accession to the Euro- in Washington, DC. Despite the fact Kalaupapa Peninsula on the island of Molokai, pean Union (EU); that he was not born in Hawaii and but Father Damien’s life continues to illu- Whereas the year 2009 marks the 50th anni- lived so long ago, Hawaii’s people rec- minate for all humankind the pathway of serv- versary of the Fulbright Educational Ex- ognize that his life embodied the true ice to the needy. change Program in Poland; spirit of aloha, which means, love, Father Damien’s mission in life and the jour- Whereas Poland has overcome a legacy of compassion, mercy, grace, and ney he took to fulfill it were inspired by a sim- foreign occupation and period of communist rule to emerge as a free and democratic na- malama, which means to care for. ple yet profound compassion, to recognize the tion; Last week in Louvain, Belgium, prior human rights and dignity of every individual, Whereas Poland is a valued partner in the to the canonization, some 400 Hawaii particularly those who were cast aside to fight against global terrorism and has con- residents, including 11 former Hansen’s Kalaupapa. He challenged the orthodoxies of tributed troops to the stabilization and re- disease patients from Kalaupapa, at- his own church and the government to provide construction efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq; tended a mass with the King and Queen the needed resources to care for Hansen’s and of Belgium near St. Damien’s birth- disease patients who had been banished to Whereas Poland has cooperated closely place. Addressing those who came all Kalaupapa—attracting worldwide attention to with the United States on issues such as de- the way from Hawaii, Cardinal mocratization, nuclear nonproliferation, his demonstration of humanity. human rights, regional cooperation in Cen- Danneels, a native of Belgium said, He lived, worked, and died in geographic tral and Eastern Europe, and reform of the ‘‘We gave life to Father Damien. You isolation with the people he cared for, but his United Nations: Now, therefore, be it gave him back as a saint. We thank timeless teachings and inspiration have Resolved, That the House of Representa- you.’’ reached a vast congregation that reaches tives—

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