Memories of St. Damien
Dear Parishioners,
St. Damien, an important saint in our parish life these last few years, is the Patron Saint of our building project. Most people do not know about this heroic saint. He was a Belgian immigrant who went to Hawaii in the nineteenth century. He was a member of Congregations of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary missionary order.
Hawaii is a different place today than it was in the 1870’s. Europeans were coming to the islands to settle there, and they brought with them various diseases including leprosy. Many in the native population contracted leprosy. The only known way to fight the disease was to isolate those who suffered from it. A leper colony was established on the island of Molokai. Fr. Damien went there in 1873 to serve the lepers and lived there until 1889 when he himself died of leprosy. Stories of his holiness and heroism have inspired generations of Catholics.
On Sunday, October 1st, Sacred Heart is hosting a one man play about Fr. Damien. Chicago personality Wayne Messmer, who is known for being an announcer for the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, and Wolves, is playing Fr. Damien. This is a unique opportunity for people to learn more about St. Damien. The performance takes place at Sacred Heart Church. The cost will be $20 for adults and $10 for children 10-17 years old. Seating is limited to 350.
There is a raffle in conjunction with this event. The first prize awarded wins $3,000 - may go toward airline tickets to Belgium. Second prize is $1,000, third prize is $500 and fourth and fifth prizes are $250 each.
If possible, we would like the winner and a guest to make a pilgrimage to Belgium to visit the grave of Fr. Damien as a sign of our gratitude for our successful building campaign. Raffle tickets are on sale along with tickets for the performance. Raffle tickets are $20 each or three for $50.
There are opportunities to purchase both the October 1st presentation tickets and the raffle tickets at the end of the Masses the weekends of September 9th/10th, 16th/17th, and the 23rd/24th. You may also purchase the tickets at the Lee Parish Center (LPC) (1608 - 13th St. Moline) or on our website by clicking here. You may pick them up at the LPC or a ‘will call’ table will be at the performance. You will be able to pay with cash, check or credit card!
I hope that many of you are able to make this special performance. There is a meet and greet with Wayne Messmer after the presentation. Proceeds from this event are planned to be used to reduce the debt on our new addition.
Per Illinois statute, we must raise $10,000 for the raffle. If not, it becomes a 50/50 drawing.