“It is at the foot of the altar that we find the strength we need in our isolation.”
Josef De Veuster was born in rural Belgium in 1840 and was the youngest of 7. Instead of taking over farm responsibilities, he wanted to follow his older brother and 2 sisters who took religious vows. He entered the same Congregation as his brother and took the name Damien after a 6th century martyr.
In 1864, his brother was ordered to Hawaii but fell ill so Damien offered to go in his place and was ordained a priest two months after arrival. He worked for 9 years, leading an important yet undistinguished life.
The Hawaiian government had passed a law mandating a forced quarantined leper colony on the Kalaupapa Peninsula in an isolated colony as they thought it was highly contagious and didn’t know how to deal with it. In 1873, the local bishop asked for volunteers to minister the colony of which Father Damien presented himself.
Upon arrival he found the colony was poorly maintained, anarchy reigned and many required treatment. Other patients had become severe alcoholics. Although he was afraid to go at first, he later fell in love with the people. He had realized the people needed leadership which he provided and had them come together to build houses, schools and the parish church, St. Philomena, which still stands. He provided much of the care the people needed.
Through his superiors he was asked to leave the colony or remain permanently of which he chose to stay. At the age of 44, he had contracted leprosy himself and with strength garnered from prayer and devotion, continued to minister for the next 5 years until his death. He was buried nearby, then his remains were transferred to Belgium in 1936. His right had was returned to Hawaii in 1995 to be placed in his original grave.
He was courageous, headstrong and resilient which helped inspire others. He was reportedly very happy, a common phenomenon for those who pray and work hard to serve others and the Lord.
He is the patron saint of those with leprosy.
His feast day is May 10.
For God’s Glory.
