Ground Report

On Sunday morning, Pope Benedict XVI canonized five saints in a ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica, including Father Damien De Veuster, Hawaii’s first, reports KITV. Hundreds of pilgrims from the island traveled to Rome to witness the historical event.

St. Damien dedicated his life to working with lepers on Molokai Island back in the 19th century. During his last four years he contracted the disease and died in 1889.

Twitterers from Hawaii expressed their excitement about the canonization of Father Damien:

1. SASTeachers (Kailua, Hawaii) Day 9, Today was the day of Fr. Damien’s canonization. Beautiful service despite the 2 hr. wait to get through security. Hawaii celebrates! 11 Oct 2009 from web
2. mBringinIt2U1st (Honolulu, Hawaii) I’m watching (and feeling) the canonization ceremony of Father Damien of Molokai – very spiritual… 11 Oct 2009 from web
3. lilybillykid (Waipio, Hawaii) also watching something that will go down in catholic history, the canonization of father damien. newsfeed live from italy its ornate! 11 Oct 2009 from web
4. mrtroi (Honlulu, Hawaii) Rushed home to watch the Canonization of Father Damien. The Vatican is so impressive and the Basilica is beautiful. Can’t wait! #fb 11 Oct 2009 from web

@naugusta (Honolulu, Hawaii) posted the following TwitPic of canonization coverage below:

Tapestry Tapestry of Saint Damien hanging in St. Peter’s Basilica.