Obama Sending Delegation For Canonization of Roman Catholic Saint; Recalling Stories From His Days in Hawaii

[lemonbeam]

In an announcement made on the busy day that he won the Nobel Peace Prize, President Barack Obama said he was sending a six-member delegation to the Vatican for the canonization of a Roman Catholic saint.

Blessed Damien de Veuster is being canonized today, and Obama is familiar with his work from his days living as a young boy in Hawaii.

"Father Damien has also earned a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians,’’ Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "I recall many stories from my youth about his tireless work there to care for those suffering from leprosy who had been cast out. Following in the steps of Jesus’ ministry to the lepers, Father Damien challenged the stigmatizing effects of disease, giving voice to the voiceless and ultimately sacrificing his own life to bring dignity to so many.’’

"In our own time as millions around the world suffer from disease, especially the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, we should draw on the example of Father Damien’s resolve in answering the urgent call to heal and care for the sick,’’ Obama said. "I offer my prayers as people of all faiths join the Holy Father and millions of Catholics around the world in celebrating Father Damien’s extraordinary life and witness.’’

blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2009/10/obama-sending-delegation-for-c.html

 

[Beau_Ouiville]

When we visited Hawaii, I had to explain to my non-Catholic wife the importance of Father Damien, who I had read about in grammar school. There happens to be a shrine to him in Honolulu.

 

[ljubim]

Obama needs to STAY AWAY from the Church. I could understand if he was a catholic, or didn’t support the murder of babies , but really, what are his motives for trying to be so close to the Church?? I’m just worried that he’ll follow up one day with a strong criticism of the Church in some way, after doing things like this to gain the trust of some Catholics, and that they’ll listen to him rather than the Church…

 

[Beau_Ouiville]

Obama needs to STAY AWAY from the Church. I could understand if he was a catholic, or didn’t support the murder of babies , but really, what are his motives for trying to be so close to the Church?? I’m just worried that he’ll follow up one day with a strong criticism of the Church in some way, after doing things like this to gain the trust of some Catholics, and that they’ll listen to him rather than the Church…

Look, he’s the president of the US honoring a Catholic who worked in his home state. If the president ignored famous Catholics and their good works everyone would complain!

This thread has nothing to do with abortion.

 

[rlg94086]

Look, he’s the president of the US honoring a Catholic who worked in his home state. If the president ignored famous Catholics and their good works everyone would complain!

Agreed. Plus, having the President of the United States highlight a canonization can’t hurt evangelization efforts. It would be wonderful if someone, hearing about St. Damien, researched his life and discovered a love for the Church.

 

[masondoggy]

Obama needs to STAY AWAY from the Church. I could understand if he was a catholic, or didn’t support the murder of babies , but really, what are his motives for trying to be so close to the Church?? I’m just worried that he’ll follow up one day with a strong criticism of the Church in some way, after doing things like this to gain the trust of some Catholics, and that they’ll listen to him rather than the Church…

Look, Obama’s not my exactly my favorite person, but I give him some points here for showing some respect towards our Church and this Saint. He didn’t have to anything, he easily could have just ignored the event.

Our President is very, very misguided and lost, why don’t we all take this opportunity and pray for Saint Damien’s intercession for Barack Obama’s conversion!

 

[JReducation]

This was a good thing. Why would we want the President to stay away from the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has invited him to enter into dialogue with her. Just this morning the Holy Father received the Prime Minister of France, who is also a staunch supporter of abortion. Should he have been told to stay away as well? The Church is not for saints. It is a hospital for sinners.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[ljubim]

Our President is very, very misguided and lost, why don’t we all take this opportunity and pray for Saint Damien’s intercession for Barack Obama’s conversion!

JReducation:

The Church is not for saints. It is a hospital for sinners.

Ok, good point guys. I was just in a bad mood last night, I guess I came off a little callous. I just don’t trust him at all, and always worry what his real motivation behind things is.