He was unable to finish school because he was needed on his familys farm at the age of. His was a large family and his father was a farmermerchant. He joined the picpus fathers on 7 october 1860, taking the name damien. Damien of molokai the foremost catholic blog, bringing you relevant news and guidance on your spiritual journey. Damien s brother had dreamed of being a missionary overseas. Biography of the belgian missionary priest to the leper colony on molokai. As a member of this religious community, he took the name damien. He studied at the college of brainelecomte, and in 1860 joined the fathers of the sacred hearts of jesus and mary the picpus fathers, taking the name damien. He died april 15th 1889 a long way from home on molokai in hawaii. A joyful celibate brings hope and dignity to the walking dead. He contracted leprosy in 1885, and though severely crippled by the disease, father damien worked until the end. The canonization of father damien took place on october 11, 2009 at.
Growing up on the farm, jozef was prepared to take over for his family, but he did not want the responsibility. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Upon his oldest brother pamphile entering the congregation of the sacred hearts of jesus and mary, at the age. Joseph became father damien and was sent as a missionary to hawaii and, eventually, to molokai to become a priest for those. Father damien kalaupapa national historical park u. The church of england reformers retained the title priest in the book of common. Pierre coudrin, founder of the sacred heart fathers. In 1873, at his request, he was sent to the leper colony at moloka i. Resident priest in the leper colony on molokai where for years he worked alone to minister to the. Saint damien of molokai, belgian priest who devoted his life to missionary work. Jozef jef began his novitiate with the congregation of the sacred hearts of jesus and mary picpus fathers at the beginning of 1859 and took the name damien. Apostle of the exiled and millions of other books are. The devoted his life to the care of people of hawaii who had contracted leprosy.
By the time he died at the age of 49, people all over the world knew about this disease because of him. While at college, he decided god was calling him to be a priest. He studied at the college at brainelecomte, belgium. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Saint damien of molokai hawaii state public library system. There are few places on earth more beautiful than hawaii. Missionary priest, born at tremeloo, belgium, 3 january 1840. Joseph was born at tremeloo, belgium, on january 3.
He joined the same community his brother had joined and took the name damien. It is often just one decision that releases the bolt, opening the door to a new life. Damien of molokai priest of heroic kindness aquinas and. At his request he was sent as a missionary to hawaii in 1864, was ordained the same. Damien has been canonized in both the eastern and latin rites. Damien of molokai, was born in rural belgium, on january 3, 1840. He entered the congregation of the sacred hearts of jesus and mary six years later, taking the name of a fourthcentury physician and martyr. He served as a priest in the leper colony for 16 years before he succumbed to the disease. At age 19, he joined the congregation of the sacred hearts of jesus and mary. He chose this name after a fourthcentury physician and martyr.
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