Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FATHER DAMIEN
By accident or miracle, Catholic priest Joseph de Veuster, Father Damien, came
from Belgium to Hawai'i. His brother, also a priest, was originally slated for the trip,
but he became ill and Father Damien took his place. Damien spent several years on
the Big Island of Hawai'i, building churches and learning the language and ways of
the people, before traveling to Kalaupapa in 1873.
What he saw touched his heart. Damien saw the lepers at Kalaupapa as children
of God who deserved life and comfort. When they hid under a bush at his approach,
he picked them up and stood them on their feet. He carried water to the sick and dy-
ing, bathed their wounds, and built them shelters with his own hands. When clothes
or food or materials ran short, he walked topside to beg for more. Other church
groups were against him and the government gave him little aid, but he persevered.
Working long days alone, he collapsed exhausted at night.
Father Damien modified St. Philomena Church, originally built in Honolulu in
1872, and shipped it to Moloka'i in segments. He invited his charges inside, but
those grossly afflicted could not control their mouths, so spittle would drip to the
