Today's message: "This disease is only one of flesh; nothing more. The only thing that I find repulsive is when mankind can turn his head on those who are in desperate need of our love & affection." Father Damien - Kaluapapa, Moloka'i
In 1863, Father Damien de Veuster volunteered to go to Hawai'i in place of his brother, Father Pamphile, who fell ill. Little did Damien know that his voyage to Hawai'i would lead him to his to life's calling which was to administer spiritually, physically and mentally to those inflicted with leprosy, now known as Hansen's disease.
When he arrived, Damien became the hero to those who were left in despair. He took up the cause and became the champion of the "Incurables" as they were then called. They being the Hawai'ian natives who were isolated to the island of Molokai'i for life. (The only way into the island is by boat or plane and by traveling down a cliff on a single narrow trail that consists of 2.9 miles of treacherous switchbacks.)
Although Damien was sent to the settlement on temporary assignment, he volunteered to stay for the rest of his life. He became their priest, gardener, house builder, farmer, doctor, nurse, coffin builder and legal adviser to those who came under his care. His faith carried him through the roughest times when the stench, hopelessness and solitude could not.
In 1884, Damien realized he had contract the disease when he scaled his feet and could feel nothing. He continued to administer to the Hawai'ian people up until his death on April 15, 1889. He was 49 years old.
Damien is considered the patron saint for leprosy, outcasts, and those with HIV and AIDS. Father Damien day is celebrated in Hawai'i on April 15th. He was canonized on Sunday, October 22, 2009. His feast day is celebrated on May 10th.
Today, Kaluapapa houses 25 former patients, some who have resided there since birth. They are are cured and free to leave but choose to stay.
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Today's meditation & prayer:
"True redemption comes from the freedom of our minds. The ability to place compassion over matter helps greatly in leading us to our greatest potential. Let us keep watch over those who cannot care for themselves. May we administer to them with great love and ease."
In 1863, Father Damien de Veuster volunteered to go to Hawai'i in place of his brother, Father Pamphile, who fell ill. Little did Damien know that his voyage to Hawai'i would lead him to his to life's calling which was to administer spiritually, physically and mentally to those inflicted with leprosy, now known as Hansen's disease.
When he arrived, Damien became the hero to those who were left in despair. He took up the cause and became the champion of the "Incurables" as they were then called. They being the Hawai'ian natives who were isolated to the island of Molokai'i for life. (The only way into the island is by boat or plane and by traveling down a cliff on a single narrow trail that consists of 2.9 miles of treacherous switchbacks.)
Although Damien was sent to the settlement on temporary assignment, he volunteered to stay for the rest of his life. He became their priest, gardener, house builder, farmer, doctor, nurse, coffin builder and legal adviser to those who came under his care. His faith carried him through the roughest times when the stench, hopelessness and solitude could not.
In 1884, Damien realized he had contract the disease when he scaled his feet and could feel nothing. He continued to administer to the Hawai'ian people up until his death on April 15, 1889. He was 49 years old.
Damien is considered the patron saint for leprosy, outcasts, and those with HIV and AIDS. Father Damien day is celebrated in Hawai'i on April 15th. He was canonized on Sunday, October 22, 2009. His feast day is celebrated on May 10th.
Today, Kaluapapa houses 25 former patients, some who have resided there since birth. They are are cured and free to leave but choose to stay.
.
Today's meditation & prayer:
"True redemption comes from the freedom of our minds. The ability to place compassion over matter helps greatly in leading us to our greatest potential. Let us keep watch over those who cannot care for themselves. May we administer to them with great love and ease."
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