This documentary captures the exciting and inspiring two-week pilgrimage to the canonization of Saint Damien at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, led by Bishop Larry Silva of the Diocese of Honolulu from October 1-14, 2009. More than 500 pilgrims participated in this once-in-a-lifetime journey in loving tribute to Father Damien de Veuster who was canonized a saint in October 11, 2009. Also featured in the video is the St. Damien Catholic Parish on the island of Moloka'i , together with Kalaupapa patients who express their love and aloha for Father Damien.
The video opens with the majestic canonization ceremonies at the Basilica officiated by Pope Benedict XVI making official the sainthood of Father Damien and four other saints. From there, the coverage proceeds to Belgium where the pilgrimage actually started, visiting places where Father Damien was born and raised; then on to Assisi, Italy to pay homage to Blessed Mother Marianne Cope, a Franciscan nun who worked with Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa for 30 years.
From Europe, the documentary moves on to the island of Moloka'i where Father Damien served as Sacred Hearts pastor until he died in 1889 and where he built four churches, two of which are still standing today. The video also covers the Kalawao celebration where Damien's parish, St. Philomena Church is still actively serving the local Catholic community. From there, coverage of the last of the festivities honoring Saint Damien by various Hawai'i leaders at the I'olani Palace is shown, followed by the permanent enshrinement of the saint's relic at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral in downtown Honolulu.