Saint Damien of Molokai

Saint Damien followed in the footsteps of his older brother and sisters and pursued the religious life.  When his brother was assigned to mission work in Hawaii but became ill, St. Damien offered to take his place. He spent a great deal of time learning Latin and devoting his time to prayer, specifically before an icon on St. Francis Xavier with the hopes of being sent on mission. 

St. Damien arrived in Hawaii in March 1864, and was ordained as a priest on the island of Hawaii two months later. For nine years, he worked on the island as a priest, leading an important, yet undistinguished life. 

After much prayer and discernment, St. Damien moved to a leper colony in 1873 where he would provide medical and spiritual care.  He also provided the much needed leadership that the colony was lacking.  He contracted leprosy in 1885. 

Fr. Damien continued his work, despite his illness, which slowly took over his body. He derived strength from prayer and devotion. He often went to the cemetery to pray the Rosary or spent time in the presence of the Eucharist. "It is at the foot of the altar that we find the strength we need in our isolation," he wrote.

Saint Damien is the patron saint of people with leprosy.  

His feast day is May 10.

More information on Saint Damien can be found HERE