Father Damien, also known as Saint Damien of Molokai, was a Belgian priest who dedicated his life to missionary work among the Hawaiian lepers. He was born on January 3, 1840, in Tremelo, Belgium, and joined the Society of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus Fathers) in 1858. In 1863, Father Damien volunteered to go as a missionary to the Hawaiian Islands, arriving in Honolulu in 1864 and being ordained as a priest the same year.
Key Facts
- Father Damien, also known as Saint Damien of Molokai, was born on January 3, 1840, in Tremelo, Belgium.
- He joined the Society of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus Fathers) in 1858.
- In 1863, Father Damien volunteered to go as a missionary to the Hawaiian Islands.
- He arrived in Honolulu in 1864 and was ordained as a priest the same year.
- Father Damien was moved by the miserable condition of those suffering from leprosy, who were deported to Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai by the Hawaiian government.
- He volunteered to take charge of the settlement and devoted his life to missionary work among the Hawaiian lepers.
- Father Damien provided spiritual, physical, and emotional comfort to those suffering from leprosy and served as both pastor and physician to the colony.
- He undertook many projects to improve the conditions in the settlement, including improving water and food supplies, housing, and founding two orphanages.
- In 1884, Father Damien himself contracted leprosy but refused to leave for treatment.
- He succumbed to the disease on April 15, 1889, after serving 16 years on Molokai.
- Father Damien’s remains were originally buried at the colony but were later transferred to Leuven, Belgium, in 1936.
Father Damien’s Mission to Molokai
Father Damien was deeply moved by the plight of those suffering from leprosy, who were forcibly deported to the Kalaupapa settlement on the island of Molokai by the Hawaiian government. He volunteered to take charge of the settlement and devoted his life to missionary work among the Hawaiian lepers. Father Damien provided spiritual, physical, and emotional comfort to those suffering from leprosy, serving as both pastor and physician to the colony. He undertook many projects to improve the conditions in the settlement, including improving water and food supplies, housing, and founding two orphanages.
Father Damien’s Contraction of Leprosy and Death
In 1884, Father Damien himself contracted leprosy but refused to leave for treatment. He continued to serve the people of Molokai until his death on April 15, 1889, after serving 16 years on the island. Father Damien’s remains were originally buried at the colony but were later transferred to Leuven, Belgium, in 1936.
Father Damien’s Legacy
Father Damien’s life and work have been widely recognized and celebrated. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. In 1965, Hawaii placed a statue of Father Damien in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Father Damien’s story continues to inspire people worldwide, and his dedication to serving those in need remains an example of selfless love and compassion.
References
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Damien-of-Molokai
- https://www.catholichawaii.org/catholic-essentials/saints-traveling-relics/history-of-hawaiis-saints/saint-damien/
- https://leprosyhistory.org/database/person2
FAQs
When did Father Damien arrive on Molokai?
Father Damien arrived on Molokai on May 10, 1873.
How long did Father Damien serve on Molokai?
Father Damien served on Molokai for 16 years, from 1873 until his death in 1889.
What was Father Damien’s role in the Kalaupapa settlement?
Father Damien served as both pastor and physician to the Kalaupapa settlement, providing spiritual, physical, and emotional comfort to those suffering from leprosy. He also undertook many projects to improve the conditions in the settlement, such as improving water and food supplies, housing, and founding two orphanages.
When did Father Damien contract leprosy?
Father Damien contracted leprosy in 1884.
Did Father Damien leave Molokai after contracting leprosy?
No, Father Damien refused to leave Molokai after contracting leprosy and continued to serve the people of the settlement until his death in 1889.
When did Father Damien die?
Father Damien died on April 15, 1889, at the age of 49.
Where was Father Damien buried?
Father Damien was originally buried at the Kalaupapa settlement, but his remains were later transferred to Leuven, Belgium, in 1936.
When was Father Damien canonized?
Father Damien was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.