Sister Barbara Jean Wajda receives Companionate of Merit Award

Our own Sister Barbara Jean Wajda and Father Patrick Killilea — both ministering on Kalaupapa, received the Companionate of Merit Award from The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. The international Order dates to the Crusades and focuses on service to others and promoting unity among the world’s Christian Churches. Its mission is charitable works, traditionally in medical humanitarian care and supporting hospitals and clinics. The Order has been very supportive in Kalaupapa, providing medical equipment for the patients; representatives usually make an annual pilgrimage bringing a luau celebration to Kalaupapa either on Saint Marianne or Saint Damien’s Feast Day. Because COVID-19 has prevented representatives from visiting Kalaupapa for 18 months, Sister Alicia Damien presented Father Patrick and Sister Barbara Jean their awards at Sunday’s liturgy (Feast of Ascension) at St. Francis Church here in Kalaupapa, with patients and staff in attendance.