The Irish Christian Brothers opened Damien Memorial High School in Kalihi 40 years ago, but the religious order has a 200-year history as an educational organization. Damien’s founders
mark bicentennial
Star-Bulletin staff
The Honolulu Catholic diocese will join the Christian Brothers congregation in celebrating its bicentennial with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, 712 N. School St.
Honolulu Bishop Francis DiLorenzo will preside at the mass, with retired Bishop Joseph Ferrario and other priests joining him. The church choir, directed by Bernie Gora, will perform liturgical music, which was composed by the Rev. Liam Lawton of Ireland for the 1996 beatification of the Christian Brothers' founder.
Pope John Paul II designated Edmund Rice as "blessed," the second of three steps to sainthood. Rice, a layman, opened schools for poor youths in the early 19th century, despite obstacles raised by the anti-Catholic legislation that prevailed at that time.
Rice's work led to the formation of the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers, both of which have spread throughout the world.
Teachers, alumni and students of Damien High School will participate in the mass. The boys' school, which occupies an 8-acre campus on Houghtailing Street, has 400 students.
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