Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today issued this statement regarding the canonization of Blessed Damien de Veuster:

�Father Damien has long stood as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to the people of the Hawaiian Islands.

�He devoted his life to helping those who were sick and shunned, gave his life in the service of others, and became a beacon of hope not only for those he loved, but for everyone here in Hawaii and beyond who find meaning and inspiration in Fr. Damien�s example.

�The people of Hawaii join our brothers and sisters around the world in prayer and in celebrating the life and sainthood of a remarkable man.�