The state of Hawaii has a complex history, but included in that history are a number of saints who traveled there to minister to the local population. The best known of these are St. Damien of Molokai and St. Marianne Cope.
However, there is another individual who is often overlooked, but who helped St. Damien and is also on the road to sainthood.
His name is Joseph Dutton and he is currently a "Servant of God." He moved to Hawaii after he heard about the good work done by St. Damien and ended up being St. Damien's primary assistant.
To honor the good work that Joseph Dutton accomplished in Hawaii, Governor Josh Green recently signed legislation that establishes April 27 as "Brother Joseph Dutton Day" in Hawaii.
Governor Green explained his reasoning for recognizing Joseph Dutton:
Brother Joseph Dutton’s life is a powerful reminder of what it means to serve others with humility and compassion. By establishing this day of recognition, Hawaiʻi ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future generations to act with kindness and selflessness.
Why April 27?
Joseph Dutton died of leprosy on March 26, 1931. While Hawaii could have chosen that day as the annual day, they chose April 27, which marks two important days in Dutton's life.
First of all, Dutton was born in Vermont on April 27, 1843. His family would later move to Wisconsin, where he would spend much of his early life, even fighting in the Civil War for the 13th Wisconsin Infantry.
Secondly, Larry Peterson explains the second "birth" that Dutton experienced on April 27 in an article for Aleteia:
[Dutton] fell away from religion during the war. But he did become interested in Catholicism. He had become friends with some Catholics, and their influence spurred him to want to learn more. He acquired a catechism and began to study. He was received into the Catholic church on April 27, 1883. The occasion also marked his 40th birthday. He changed his name to Joseph, who he greatly admired, quit his job with the government, and set out to begin a “new life.”
April 27 marked "two births" in Dutton's life, and his second "birth" in the Catholic faith would eventually lead to his arrival in Hawaii.
Joseph Dutton's life is inspiring and it is hoped that he will continue to inspire in both Hawaii and beyond.
