HONOLULU -- Catholic churches across Hawaii celebrated the canonization of Father Damien on Sunday.

At Saint Stephens in Nuuanu, Damien was mentioned many times during mass as Catholics prayed to their newest saint.

People donned new commemorative T-shirts and newspaper headlines proclaim “Saint Damien” throughout the Hawaii.

“As a catholic, it's a very special day in the state of Hawaii,” said Johnelle Silva, a Catholic. “For what he has done for the people of Molokai -- and he became a leper himself through the works of God … no other man would have done (that.) We're very proud to have blessed Father Damien now as Saint Damien of Hawaii.”

After mass, Saint Stephens held a bake sale, selling fresh bread, baked goods, fruits, and vegetables to benefit patients on Molokai.