Damien Memorial School Changed Its Name

The Honolulu school has transitioned to Saint Damien School following a celebratory Mass held at its Kalihi campus.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Catholicism

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Damien Memorial School has officially rebranded as Saint Damien School to honor the 2009 canonization of Father Damien de Veuster. The transition was marked by a special Mass held on the campus in Honolulu.

Why it matters

The renaming serves to align the educational institution more closely with the legacy of Saint Damien, who is celebrated for his ministry to those living in the Molokaʻi region. This change reflects the long-standing commitment of the community to the saint's canonized identity.

The school, founded in 1962, has expanded its De Veuster Multi-Sport Field from 80 yards to a full 100-yard regulation length. The team is now utilizing this new turf surface for practices.

The players

Saint Damien School

Formerly known as Damien Memorial School, this educational institution in Honolulu honors the legacy of a canonized priest.

Saint Damien de Veuster

A Catholic priest recognized for his missionary work in Molokaʻi who was canonized by the church in 2009.

The details

In addition to the name change and field expansion, the school has announced plans to construct a culinary classroom for students. The facility upgrades support the goal of hosting home football games on the Kalihi campus starting in the 2027 season, moving away from current reliance on external sites like Farrington High School.

The school was originally opened in 1962.
Father Damien de Veuster was officially canonized in 2009.
A celebratory Mass for the name change was held on October 11, 2026.
The school aims to host home football games on campus starting in the 2027 season.

Culture Shift

The renaming reflects a broader trend of institutions updating their branding to align with the sainthood status of their namesakes. This transition highlights a shift toward prioritizing historical and religious legacy in the naming of private schools.

Students and faculty will begin operating under the new school name immediately. The facility upgrades at the Kalihi campus mean that the community can look forward to hosting on-campus football games by the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Schools often undergo rebranding to better reflect their core missions and historical inspirations. Families should note that while the name of the institution has changed, the focus remains on continuing the educational mission established in 1962.