St. Damien, Pray for us
Saint Damien of Molokai, originally named Joseph de Veuster, was born on January 3, 1840, in Tremelo, Belgium. His life was characterized by profound Christian commitment and sacrificial love. Although his family envisioned him taking over the family business, his deep sense of divine calling led him to join the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in 1859, adopting the name Damien.
In 1863, his life took a decisive turn when his older brother Pamphile, originally assigned to a mission in the Hawaiian Islands, fell ill. Damien replaced him, arriving in Honolulu on March 19, 1864, and was ordained a priest on May 21. His first assignment was on the island of Hawaii, where he was recognized for his pastoral zeal.
In 1873, Damien volunteered to minister to leprosy patients quarantined on the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the island of Molokai. This isolated place, bordered by cliffs and the ocean, was a final exile for those with this misunderstood disease. Damien became the spiritual leader, advocate, caregiver, and builder for the exiled community.
He committed himself entirely to improving the residents' lives, building houses, schools, churches, and hospitals. He treated everyone with dignity and respect, challenging the stigma of the disease. His compassion led him to contract leprosy, an affliction he embraced. Despite his illness's progression, Damien continued his work, drawing strength from the Eucharist.
True Christian living is reflected in the service of those most in need.
Father Damien died on April 15, 1889, having transformed Kalaupapa into a community bound by mutual care and love. His body was returned to Belgium in 1936 and laid to rest in Saint Anthony's Chapel at Louvain. His selfless devotion led to his canonization process, which began in 1938 and culminated with his canonization by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009. His Feast Day, celebrated on May 10, is not only a commemoration of his death but also a reminder of his life's message: true Christian living is reflected in the service of those most in need.
Saint Damien's story is a powerful testament to the Gospel's call to serve the marginalized. His life challenges us to act with compassion and love towards those often neglected by society. His feast day encourages us to find in the Gospel the source of life's deepest meaning and the courage to live it out, even in challenging circumstances.
St. Damien Prayer
Damien, brother on the journey, happy and generous missionary, who loved the Gospel more than your own life, who for love of Jesus left your family, your homeland, your security and your dreams.
Teach us to give our lives with joy like yours, to be in solidarity with the outcasts of our world, to celebrate and contemplate the Eucharist as the source of our own commitment.
Help us to love to the very end and, in the strength of the Spirit, to persevere in compassion for the poor and forgotten so that we might be good disciples of Jesus and Mary.
Amen