St. Ann pastor to give talk on valiant life of Damien

The Rev. Herman Gomes will present a free public lecture on Father Damien De Veuster Tuesday in downtown Honolulu.

The 12:45 p.m. presentation, open to anyone interested, will be at the Kamiano Center adjacent to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace on Fort Street Mall.

Gomes, the pastor of St. Ann Church in Kaneohe, will explore the heroic life and works of Damien and his mission in Hawaii, which brought him to sainthood. He will also describe teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church regarding the process of canonization, the reasons for saints in the church, the veneration of a relic of Damien and the power of intercession.

All are welcome to bring their lunch to the church's Kamiano Center for this free event. Beverages will be provided. For information, call 585-3346 or see www.catholichawaii.org.

Island churches to stage pet blessings next week

Several island churches will hold pet blessing ceremonies next week, a tradition that began as a remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, whose holiday is Oct. 4.

The public is invited to any of the events, with the condition that pets be on leashes or in carriers for the safety of all.

» Thursday, 1 p.m. Leeward residents may bring dogs, cats, rabbits or birds to Our Lady of Kea'au, 83-300 Farrington Highway, Waianae. The Rev. Carmelo Rey Lim will officiate. Refreshments will be served. Call 696-7255 for information.

» Next Saturday, 10 a.m. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 539 Kapahulu Ave., will sponsor its annual pet blessing in the parish garden. Call 732-2333 for information.

» Next Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Waikiki Playground on Monsarrat Avenue across from Waikiki Elementary School will be the setting of individual pet blessings sponsored by Unity Church of Hawaii, 3608 Diamond Head Circle. Each pet will receive a certificate and a healthy treat. People may also bring a photograph of a living or dead pet. For information call 735-4436.

» Oct. 4, 9 a.m. Nuuanu Congregational Church will welcome pets at the Sunday worship service at 2651 Pali Highway, and they will be blessed at the conclusion of the hourlong service.

» Oct. 4. St. Andrew's Cathedral at Queen Emma Square will stage an animal blessing at noon. People may bring stuffed animals to represent pets that do not travel easily.

St. Francis, a 13th-century monk, wrote of his love for God's creations and preached a life of poverty and simplicity. He was the founder of the Franciscan religious orders of priests and nuns, who operate Our Lady of Kea'au and St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii. He died Oct. 4, 1226.

Burke seminar to address repercussions of abortion

Psychologist Theresa Burke, founder of Rachel's Vineyard Ministries, will discuss the mental and emotional aftereffects of abortion at a Tuesday seminar.

The seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Stephen Diocesan Center, 6301 Pali Highway, will be sponsored by the Roman Catholic diocese Respect Life Office. It is intended for health care professionals, social workers and counselors, clergy and youth ministers and is open to the general public.

The fee of $30 will include a light breakfast and lunch.

Burke is the author of several books and founder of Covenant Family Resources.

For information call 699-9761. Licensed professional counselors may earn educational credits approved by the American Counseling Association.