By Sister Alicia Damien Lau
As we learn early in life, everyone has their own perception on how things are and what
they see depends on their culture, education, and experiences.
The other day, as I was walking, I saw this beautiful rainbow over the house that I am
staying at and took a picture. I heard from different people on their interpretations of this
picture. As you look at, what do you see? What do you feel? What is this picture telling
you? What is your interpretation or perception?
As I looked carefully I can see on the left side of the rainbow, the clouds formed a face and breath coming-out of the mouth. Is this how COVID-19 spreads?
As we open our mouths, small particles or aerosols of our breath is released.
On the right side of the rainbow, another face is formed by the cloud and breath. Doesn’t it look like Fr. Damien of Molokai? He seems to be keeping watch over
Kalaupapa and praying with us with his head looking upward in these COVID-19 times.
Is this a reminder for all of us that COVID-19 is not going away soon. Social distance and wearing a mask is important. I wonder whether the appearance of the rainbow was a sign that Kalaupapa holds the mana (spirit) of so many people who have lived and died here.
The Spirits of Saint Damien and Saint Marianne live on in this sacred place called Kalaupapa!
Sister Alicia Damien,
Mahalo for sharing your inspiring story of the rainbow and cloud formations. May St. Marianne and St. Damien continue to protect all in Kalaupapa and the Hawaiian Islands from this pandemic.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful picture and reflection
Mahalo to you. You are blessed to be living at Kalaupapa. I would be honored to visit the sacred soil. I recall Sr Davilyn being on the Commission fir St Marianne’s Cause when you and I were at Duns Scotus so long ago. I’m retired from 40 years of teaching. Are visitors allowed at Kalaupapa? I’ve heard the Pali is hard to negotiate. Would love to hear from you.
Mahalo Nui Loa for sharing your photo and beautiful sentiment. St. Damien is clearly visible in the cloud formation 🙏🏼💞 the rainbows of Kalaupapa to me represent protection of all who reside there. When Mother Marianne answered the call to go to Kalaupapa. There was fear among the sisters who accompanied her of catching the dreaded disease. If I remember correctly, THEY PRAYED FOR PROTECTION before boarding the ship. I also remember that none of the sisters contracted Hansens Disease (leprosy). What an example of Gods grace 🙏🏼💞 for me it truly represents the prayer of Saint Francis..as Mother Teresa said “intention is everything”. 🙏🏼❤
Thank you for your inspiring comment! St. Marianne Cope had great faith! She once responded to a priest requesting help managing hospitals and schools in Hawaii working with those who contacted leprosy “I am hungry for the work and I wish with all my heart to be one of the chosen ones, whose privilege it will be to sacrifice themselves for the salvation of the souls of the poor Islanders…I am not afraid of any disease, hence, It would be my greatest delight to minister to the abandoned lepers.”