St. Damien, known as the Leper Priest and Hero of Molokai, is the patron saint of those afflicted with leprosy, AIDS and HIV patients and those who care for them. We celebrate his feast day today, May 10th.
Another Joe Catholic
Father Damien was born in Belgium in 1840. He joined the order known as the Sacred Heart Fathers in 1860. He was born Joseph and received the name Damien as part of his religious life. Damien was assigned to work the missions on the big island of Hawaii where he was eventually ordained. In 1873, he was volunteered to serve the leper colony on the island of Molokai. There he served the sick, help build hospitals, clinics and churches.
Canonization
Father Damien decided to stay on the island working with sick, effectively guaranteeing he would contract the disease and die away from his home. He did. He contracted leprosy in 1885 and eventually died on April 15, 1889. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in June of 1995 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in February 2009.
Made for TV
I remember in the early 80's watching a made for TV movie entitled Father Damien, The Leper Priest, starring Ken Howard (aka the White Shadow and more recently known for his appearances on The Office and 30 Rock). The movie struck a cord with me; I was moved by the mercy shown by this priest. I wanted to help find a cure for leprosy. Now, as an adult, I realized what I was feeling was compassion and empathy. This is precisely what our lives should evoke in others when they see the mercy and love in our lives that others feel drawn to this good which is truly manifested in Christ Jesus.
St. Damien's work can be summarized as a message of hope.
Father Damien decided to stay on the island working with sick, effectively guaranteeing he would contract the disease and die away from his home. He did. He contracted leprosy in 1885 and eventually died on April 15, 1889. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in June of 1995 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in February 2009.
Made for TV
I remember in the early 80's watching a made for TV movie entitled Father Damien, The Leper Priest, starring Ken Howard (aka the White Shadow and more recently known for his appearances on The Office and 30 Rock). The movie struck a cord with me; I was moved by the mercy shown by this priest. I wanted to help find a cure for leprosy. Now, as an adult, I realized what I was feeling was compassion and empathy. This is precisely what our lives should evoke in others when they see the mercy and love in our lives that others feel drawn to this good which is truly manifested in Christ Jesus.
St. Damien's work can be summarized as a message of hope.
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