Father Damien of Molokai, Hawaii
The Damien Center was named after Father Damien, a Catholic Priest who ministered to terminally ill lepers on the island of Molokai, Hawaii in the late 1800’s.
Under his leadership, basic laws were enforced, shacks became painted houses, working farms were organized, and schools were established.
Leprosy was thought to be very contagious, and thus, ships would come close to the island and toss lepers overboard to swim to the island. Fr. Damien ended up contracting leprosy and died in 1889 at the age of 49.
Father Damien was canonized on October 11, 2009,
by Pope Benedict XVI.
Under his leadership, basic laws were enforced, shacks became painted houses, working farms were organized, and schools were established.
Leprosy was thought to be very contagious, and thus, ships would come close to the island and toss lepers overboard to swim to the island. Fr. Damien ended up contracting leprosy and died in 1889 at the age of 49.
Father Damien was canonized on October 11, 2009,
by Pope Benedict XVI.