146 St. Damien Of Molokai - Invoked Against Leprosy
Saint Damien of Molokai - Invoked against Leprosy
1840-1889
Feast Day: May 10
Patronage: People with Leprosy
Born the youngest of 7 to farmers in Belgium, he entered religious life and traveled to Hawaii in 1864. In 1873 Father Damien began his work in the leper colony on Molokai. He found it in a wild and distressed state but provided the leadership and organization necessary to build houses, a school and a church. He provided much of the nursing care himself. He contracted leprosy in 1885. Everyone was encouraged by his personal example.
He said, “It is at the foot of the altar that we find the strength we need in our isolation.”
"St. Damien, you cared for those in despair and isolation. May you open my mind and heart to care for the sick, weary and forgotten. May I have inner strength, faith and unconditional compassion."