Earlier this month, a series of intense wildfires broke out in Hawaii, primarily on the island of Maui.

Driven by high winds, the fires caused widespread damage and killed at least 115 people. As of August 22nd, 850 other people were still missing in the town of Lāhainā.

Over 150 years ago, a young Belgian priest, now known as St. Damien of Molokai, came to the aide of the Hawaiian people in the midst of a tragedy of a different kind. We explore his life and legacy in the article below.

As you read, please join us in praying for the intercession of St. Damien as rescue efforts continue and the work of rebuilding begins to take shape in Hawaii.

From Joseph to Damien

St. Damien of Molokai was born Joseph de Veuster on January 3, 1840, in Tremelo, Belgium. He was one of seven children in a devout Catholic family.

From a young age, Joseph felt a calling to the religious life and, following in the footsteps of his elder brother, he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. It was here that he adopted the name Damien, inspired by St. Damian, an early Christian physician and martyr.

Calling to Hawaii

In 1863, Damien’s brother, who was a priest in the same religious order, was scheduled to be sent to Hawaii for missionary work. However, he fell ill, and Damien, fueled by his fervor to serve God, volunteered to take his place. Despite not having been ordained a priest at the time, his request was accepted, and he was soon en route to Hawaii.

Damien arrived in Honolulu in March 1864. He was ordained a priest later that year and served in various missions throughout the islands. Throughout his time in Hawaii, Father Damien displayed immense dedication, adaptability, and a genuine love for the Hawaiian people.

Molokai: The Leper Island

In the latter half of the 19th century, leprosy (now known as Hansen’s disease) became a severe health crisis in Hawaii. The Hawaiian government, unable to control the spread of the disease, decided to quarantine all those diagnosed with leprosy on the remote island of Molokai.

By 1873, the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on Molokai had become a place of despair. The leper settlement there was more of a place of exile, lacking proper medical care, facilities, and basic necessities.

Hearing of their plight, Father Damien felt a strong calling to minister to these forgotten souls. He arrived at Kalaupapa in May 1873, intending to stay temporarily. However, after witnessing the dire conditions and the deep spiritual and physical needs of the people, he chose to dedicate the rest of his life to this mission.

Apostle of the Lepers

Father Damien didn’t just serve the spiritual needs of the lepers but also tended to their physical well-being. He built houses, churches, and coffins, and dug graves. He organized farms, dressed wounds, and, with the aid of others, worked to improve living conditions.

He was not only a beacon of hope but also a staunch advocate for the lepers. He petitioned for better medical supplies and facilities, and his persistent advocacy drew international attention to the plight of the residents of Kalaupapa.

One of the most touching stories about St. Damien’s connection with the Hawaiian people and his deep love for them revolves around his choice of language.

Becoming Polynesian

When Father Damien first arrived in Hawaii, he noted the vast cultural and linguistic differences between the Europeans and the native Hawaiians. Many European missionaries chose to deliver sermons and conduct religious teachings in European languages, which made it challenging for the native Hawaiians to connect deeply with the message.

Recognizing this barrier, Father Damien made it a priority to learn the Hawaiian language. He didn’t merely want to speak it functionally; he wanted to be fluent in it to connect deeply with the people he was serving. Immersing himself in the culture and daily life of the Hawaiians, Damien not only became fluent in the language but began delivering his sermons, confessions, and teachings entirely in Hawaiian. This earned him tremendous respect and love among the native Hawaiians.

“We Lepers”

However, it was during his time at Molokai that his true connection with the Polynesian people became evident. Once, when addressing the Hawaiian government and other foreigners about the conditions of the leper colony, he began his address by saying, “We lepers…”

By identifying himself as one of the community, despite not having contracted the disease at that time, he displayed profound empathy and solidarity with the sufferers.

This deep bond was not just a matter of language or advocacy but was reflected in his everyday actions. Whether it was partaking in local customs, eating traditional food, or dressing in the Hawaiian style, Damien embraced the Hawaiian way of life wholeheartedly.

His devotion to the Hawaiian language and customs, his advocacy on behalf of the people of Molokai, and his willingness to identify as one of them, despite the stigma associated with leprosy, showcase the depths of his love and connection with the Polynesian people. He truly became a Hawaiian at heart, serving not as an outsider but as a beloved member of the community.

In 1885, after years of serving the lepers, Father Damien was diagnosed with the disease himself. However, this did not deter him from his mission. He continued his work with even more zeal, understanding better than ever the pain and suffering of those he served.

Passing and Legacy

Father Damien died on April 15, 1889, but his legacy lived on. His sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the lepers of Molokai drew the attention of many worldwide, and several volunteers, including Mother Marianne Cope, who would also later be canonized, came forward to continue his work.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and canonized a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009.St. Damien’s dedication to his mission, even in the face of personal suffering, challenges each one of us to see Christ in everyone, especially the least of our brothers and sisters. May we too find the strength to serve with such love and selflessness.

Reflection

St. Damien of Molokai’s life reminds us of the depth of God’s love for all, especially the marginalized and ostracized. In today’s world, where so many are neglected and forgotten, may we draw inspiration from St. Damien’s example and have the courage to reach out, serve, and love without boundaries.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and canonized a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009.

St. Damien’s life and legacy have inspired many, and over the years, numerous notable figures have commented on his sanctity and dedication. Here are some quotes about St. Damien from saints, popes, and other notable figures:

Pope Benedict XVI (during St. Damien’s canonization):

“His missionary activity, which gave him so much joy, reached its peak in charity. Not without fear and repugnance, he chose to go to Molokai to serve the lepers who were there, abandoned by all. Thus, he was exposed to the disease from which they suffered. He felt at home with them. The servant of the Word thus became a suffering servant, a leper with the lepers, during the last four years of his life.”
Pope John Paul II (during St. Damien’s beatification):

“Holiness is not perfection according to human criteria; it is not reserved for a small number of exceptional persons. It is for everyone of us, in every state of life.”
Mahatma Gandhi:

“The political and journalistic world can boast of very few heroes who compare with Father Damien of Molokai. The Belgian priest was a giant among men.”
Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author who spent time in Hawaii and wrote an open letter defending Damien’s work after his death:

“I have set down these private passages, as you perceive, without correction; thanks to you, the public has them in their bluntness. They are almost a list of the man’s faults, for it is rather these that he has been heard to own to, than his virtues… But, doctor, when we have said our worst of the man, we have, and you have, to face the fact that he was saintly and heroic.”

St. Damien’s dedication to his mission, even in the face of personal suffering, challenges each one of us to see Christ in everyone, especially the least of our brothers and sisters. May we too find the strength to serve with such love and selflessness.