A variety of activities and events celebrating the Oct. 11 canonization of Father Damien de Veuster, a missionary priest famed for his work with leprosy patients in Hawaii, are being held at Holy Name of Mary Church, San Dimas, and Damien High School, La Verne.

At Holy Name of Mary, a daily Novena (6 a.m. and after the 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Masses) began Oct. 7 and ends Oct. 15. On Oct. 10, a 5 p.m. liturgical celebration with the Hawaiian community at Holy Name of Mary will be followed by a Hawaiian Luau and nighttime showing of the movie, "Damien of Molokai."

A Fr. Damien Museum (Oct. 10-11) includes education, artifacts, photos and artwork dedicated to the life and times of Father Damien. On Oct. 11 (canonization day), a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession in Thanksgiving for the life of St. Damien and to celebrate his canonization will be followed by Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and 5 p.m. Mass.

At 7:30 pm on Oct. 15, Cardinal Roger Mahony will preside at a Eucharistic celebration at Damien High School, preceded by a 6:15 p.m. procession from Holy Name of Mary Church. Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala and San Bernardino Bishop Gerald Barnes will concelebrate, along with many priests of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, Father Damien's order, who have served at Holy Name of Mary since 1956, at Damien High since 1959, and at St. Paul the Apostle, Chino Hills, since 1986. They also served for many years, along with the sisters of the Congregation, at Bishop Amat High School, La Puente.

For information on all events, call (909) 599-1243. For information on Father Damien's life and ministry, visit www.damientoday.com.