Honoring Our Pillars of Faith: Saint Damien of Molokai & Blessed Edmund Rice

This Wednesday, Damien Memorial School will come together as a community of faith for our monthly liturgy—an important tradition that grounds us in prayer, reflection, and unity.

This month’s liturgy holds special significance, as we honor not just any saint, but our school’s patron, Saint Damien of Molokai, alongside Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers, whose legacy shapes the very foundation of our mission and values.

Saint Damien of Molokai stands as a beacon of selfless service and unwavering compassion. Born in Belgium in 1840, Father Damien volunteered to serve in the Kalaupapa leprosy settlement on the island of Molokai, where he ministered to those cast aside by society. He offered them dignity, hope, and love—not from afar, but by living among them, ultimately giving his life to the people he served. His courage, faith, and profound empathy continue to inspire our school to lead with heart and serve with purpose.

Blessed Edmund Rice, born in Ireland in 1762, was a man driven by faith and a deep sense of justice. After personal tragedy, he devoted his life to the education and empowerment of poor and marginalized youth. He founded the Congregation of Christian Brothers, whose charism continues in schools like Damien Memorial. His commitment to Catholic education, inclusivity, and compassion is woven into the spirit of our classrooms, hallways, and community.

As we gather this week to celebrate their lives and legacies, let us reflect on the values they exemplified—humility, service, faith, and justice. May Saint Damien and Blessed Edmund Rice continue to guide us in our journey, reminding us that greatness lies not in status, but in sacrifice; not in recognition, but in relationship; not in comfort, but in courage.

Together, let us honor these two men who dared to live the Gospel in extraordinary ways—and may their example move us to do the same.