UPDATE: ANOTHER RECOGNIZED HOLY MAN FOR HAWAII

 

On April 23, Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii signed into law a bill that established April 27 of each year as Brother Joseph Dutton Day.

SERVANT of GOD JOSEPH DUTTON worked along side of St. Damien and St. Marianne of Molokai, who served those suffering with leprosy.

“Brother Joseph Dutton’s life is a powerful reminder of what it means to serve others with humility and compassion,” Gov. Green said.

Brother Joseph (called Brother, but he was not a religious)  was born in Stowe, Vermont., but grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin. He fought in the U.S. Civil War and later became a military captain with the 13th Wisconsin Volunteers. In 1886, recently converted to Catholicism, he traveled to Molokai to join St. Damien in his work. It was his way to atone for a failed marriage and the years of alcoholism that dogged him following the Civil War.

His work alongside Father Damien helped bring dignity, comfort and hope to those living in isolation. He quickly becoming skilled in caring for patients afflicted by Hansen’s disease and after Father Damien’s death in 1889, Brother Dutton continued managing the Baldwin Home for Boys, dedicating the remainder of his life to serving the residents of Kalaupapa.

“For 44 years Joseph Dutton was an important member of the Kalaupapa community, embracing aloha and compassion in giving of his life of service to the patients living during challenging times,” said Maria Devera, board president of the Joseph Dutton Guild. “It is fitting that we take time to recall and honor that life of service and take a moment and reflect on our call to service.”

“As state senator representing Molokai, this recognition is deeply meaningful to our community,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite. “Brother Joseph Dutton stood alongside the people of Kalaupapa during one of the most difficult chapters in our history, bringing care, dignity and hope to those who needed it most. Establishing April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day ensures that his legacy and the strength and resilience of Kalaupapa will continue to be honored for generations to come.”

ART: The late artist , Dietrich Varez from the Big Island, created block prints of St. Damien and St. Marianne and “Brother” Joseph Dutton in his singular monochromatic style in 2013.  The print includes the American and Hawaiian flags in tribute to Brother Joseph’s patriotism and a desk, pen and paper in recognition of his prolific letter writing.