The show exploring the life of Father Damien will be performed on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina.

LAHAINA – Holy Innocents Episcopal Church and Pacific’o restaurant at 505 Front Street are partnering for a memorable night in Lahaina.

Vinnie Linares, a retired English professor at the University of Hawaii Maui College, is returning to Lahaina on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. for the “Damien” show at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 561 Front St.

The one-man show written by author Aldyth Morris highlights the significant moments in the life of Father Damien, “the leper priest of Molokai,” so named for his pioneering work with those afflicted by leprosy.

By the time of his death in 1889, he had an international reputation paralleling that of Mother Theresa’s work in India.

The play finds Damien, awakened from his deathly slumber, taking a journey through his turbulent and compelling life while answering his detractors and critics – a journey that eventually takes him home to Belgium again.

Linares was originally moved to take on the monumental role after seeing it performed for several years by University of Hawaii at Manoa Emeritus Professor Terence Knapp.

The Maui News described the performance as such in 2000: “Aldyth Morris’ ‘Damien’ is a one-man play requiring a performer to hold an audience using little but words and the ability to tell a story. Vinnie Linares turns in his best ever performance as the ‘leper priest.’ His bravura performance reveals its subject as both man and saint. Linares’ Damien is an emotional powder keg full of energy only slightly tempered when he is being his most introspective. Damien performed by Linares is more than theater; it is an affirmation of how powerful devotion can be.”

Due to mature content, this performance is not recommended for children under ten years of age.

After the show, all are encouraged to dine at Pacific’o for a delicious dinner.

Pacific’o will be contributing to Holy Innocents per each person attending dinner after the show. Reservations for dinner are recommended.

For information, contact Holy Innocents Episcopal Church at 661-4202. Tickets for the show are $15 each and can be purchased at the door or online at www.holyimaui.org.