Damien de Molokai
1840-1889 19th century Feast day: May 10
Staying when everyone else leaves, presence become prayer among wounded bodies.
Who was Damien de Molokai?
A Flemish farm boy turned missionary to Hawaii, he volunteered in 1873 for Molokai, where people with leprosy were deported without care or priest. He built houses, churches and coffins, and shared everything of the patients' lives. Struck by leprosy in his turn, he died among them in 1889.
In their own words
I make myself a leper with the lepers, to gain all to Jesus Christ.
Were it not for the constant presence of our divine Master in my humble chapel, I could never have persevered in casting my lot with the lepers of Molokai.
I am gently going to my grave. It is the will of God, and I thank Him very much for letting me die of the same disease and in the same way as my lepers. I am very satisfied and very happy.