The Rev. Herman Gomes told a capacity crowd of lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries today that Father Damien, saint-to-be and public servant, can serve as an example for them, as well.

Gomes, a member of the same Sacred Hearts order to which Damien belonged, gave the homily, or sermon, at the annual Red Mass. Besides public servants, Catholic clergy, many in red like Bishop Larry Silva, came to pray for those beginning the 2009 legislative session and facing immense challenges.

Also on hand was Audrey Toguchi, who with husband Richard and grandson Luke, also had a part to play in the service, delivering the bread and wine to be consecrated by the bishop.

Toguchi was the woman whose cancer disappeared a decade ago in what was deemed the second miracle, assuring the canonization of Damien of Molokai, probably this year. Beatified in 1995, he is on the path to become the first person with Hawaii ties to become a saint in a ceremony expected to take place in the fall.

"Thank you for coming here and showing the courage to do the right thing," Gomes told the group.

He talked about how Damien — the Belgian who was ordained at the very cathedral where the Mass was being held — was transformed from someone who in his early days talked about wanting to help the "savages" to a more enlightened and humble servant.

His letters showed subtle changes as he lived among those with leprosy. As a young priest, he begins addressing them as his "sons and daughters." Later, it's "brothers and sisters," and finally, after contracting the disease himself, he shows a complete transformation, famously saying, "We lepers."

The public servants were numerous and included Gov. Linda Lingle, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, Chief Justice Ronald Moon, Speaker of the House Calvin Say and a host of other legislators, Police Chief Boisse Correa and Fire Chief Kenneth Silva. Many joined in prayer, greeted the other Mass participants and were prayed over by the throngs of clergy at the end of the service.

What could they take from the lessons of Damien? The message that one life can be transforming, Gomes said.

"Are we able to come together and work to build a better tomorrow for all our citizens?" he asked. "The president calls on us to have a new era of responsibility."

He added a few of the issues he hoped the gathered assembly could work together to "do the right thing" on: abortion, homelessness, affordable housing, to name a few.

But he couldn't resist adding one more.

"And firecrackers," Gomes said.