In the course of our lives, we strive to be good and honorable and fair but often fall short. Mankind is gauged by how we act in various circumstances.

On October 11th, an award of sorts will be given to a man with humble beginning, yet who inspired others to go good works. Two movies come to mind of his life, there is a play, and many news stories. Buildings have been named in his honor. Here, April 15th is a celebration of his life and work.

Mahatma Gandhi claimed this man to have been an inspiration for his social campaigns in India that led to the freedom of his people and secured aid for those that needed it. Gandhi was quoted as saying, "The political and journalistic world can boast of very few heroes who compare with {him}. It is worthwhile to look for the sources of such heroism."

There are those who say this man worked miracles. Some dispute it, but what is undisputable is that this Belgium came to the far reaches of the world, to Hawaii, to help his brothers and sisters. He, against common thinking and advice, traveled to the outcast community of Kalapana to tend to the ill, when no one else would.

He subsequently became ill and died with a disease that we now know is not a death sentence, but at the time was not treated properly. Those diagnosed with hansens Disease were quaranteend to Molokai Island where many never saw their families again. Until this Belgium priest came to lead them, many had lost hope.

In 2005, he was voted "The Greatest Belgium" in a poll of all Belgiums who had come before. That is a great honor, but on October 11th this year, this man, Father Damien will become Hawaii's first Saint!

Whether you are a Catholic or not, whether you believe in Sainthood or not, you must agree that this man did what others would not, in a place the rest of us would never go.

I am certainly not a saint, but he inspires me to be a better person.

You can read more about father Damien here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...