I've written before about mom's father who was a Zen Buddhist priest. He and my grandmother came to the island of Molokai in 1928 to minister to the Buddhist victims of Hansen's Disease (leprosy) at Kalaupapa. That's where my mother and two aunts were born. They were there for about 7 years.
Father Damien tended to Christian victims for 16 years at Kalaupapa and died on April 15, 1889 after contracting the disease himself. He attained sainthood in 2009.
I've also mentioned before how I'd gone to Japan for the first time in 1970 and spent three weeks at my grandfather's temple, getting to know my mother's family for the first time.
I asked my grandfather what he thought the best religion was. His answer... which bears repeating was, "There is no best religion. It's what a person does with his religion that makes it the best." He then went on to tell me about meeting and working with Brother Dutton and how much he admired him. This man, he said was an example of a truly extraordinary Christian.
We were thrilled recently to learn on Hawaii News Now that, "In November, the US Conference of Bishops advanced the cause of beatification and canonization of Brother Joseph Dutton."
There are good men and women of all religions who practice what they preach. Hope you are surviving the storms we read about in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteI think Brother Dutton's canonization is long overdue; devoting 44 years of one's life to a leper colony is pretty extraordinary. Kay I liked your grandfather's answer to your religion question too, if only more religious leaders today were that profound!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news Kay! On another note this made me wish the Catholic church would allow priests to marry.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this brief glimpse into your family history. I'm pretty sure there is a good book in there should anyone care to write it.
ReplyDeleteI read a book, title escapes me now. about the leper colony there in Hawaii. It was a fascinating story. Thanks for sharing more recent history of it and how your family was involved. And yes, your grandfather had it right about religion.
ReplyDeleteI also read a book long ago about that leper colony and think anyone who worked there deserves sainthood. What giving and caring people. I too loved your grandfather's response to your question. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteMy Book Club read "Moloka'i" and it was fascinating. I agree with your grandfather about religion 100%.
ReplyDeleteHow young he looks in that photograph. How good those men were.
ReplyDeleteYour kindness and honorable deeds (like sewing a jillion masks,) has a strong family history. I'm trying to imagine being 7 years old, running around with 2 sisters within such a community. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWhat we do and not what we say.
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteLeprosy was a horrible disease and the victims were treated so badly in the past. You come from a family of good men, Kay. I love what your grandfather told you about religion. We need a lot more so-called religious people in the world today who match their actions to their religion.
ReplyDeleteTruly a great man who sacrificed to care for others. Nice to be reminded of the goodness of fellow humankind.
ReplyDeleteLeprosy was one of those conditions where you were damned if you do and damned if you don't Fr Dutton is already a saint.
ReplyDeleteI like your grandfather's answer. I wish more people thought that way. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteExcellent posts this week Kay!
ReplyDeleteYou have a glorious family history! I know that your children and grandchildren will cherish it and pass it on.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like he lived true to his beliefs and deserves it.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful news. Thank you for introducing me again to your famous ancestor.
ReplyDeleteI agree, wonderful news. the world needs more folks like your family.
ReplyDeleteYou must be very proud...not matter the religion.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. You must be so proud. Both my grandfather's died when my mom and dad were 15 years old.
ReplyDeleteYou must be very proud.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to read this news.
All the best Jan