Father Damien

Father Damien of Molokai was canonized this week by Pope Benedict XVI. Father Damien lived, worked and died among the lepers of Molokai. When the citizens of Hawaii were afflicted with Hansen's Disease (leprosy) in the 19th century, all victims of the disease were sent to an exile colony on Molokai. They were not given proper homes, medical care or sufficient food. The colony slipped into chaos.

Father Damien came to Molokai to put the colony back together. He understood the risks to his own health, as very little was understood about how the disease was transmitted. He built homes and a church, dressed wounds, farmed the land and created a sense of community. His treatment of the sick has made him an example of how people should treat those with modern diseases, such as HIV/AIDS.

Hansen's Disease is caused by bacteria. It causes nerve damage, lesions and, ultimately, death. It is painful and disfiguring. It is estimated that as many as 95% of people have natural immunity to Hansen's Disease. However, many Hawaiians were in the 5% minority due to the geographic isolation of the islands. This natural immunity is why many missionaries were able to live and work among the sufferers without contracting the disease. Thankfully, modern medicine can now cure Hansen's Disease with a cocktail of antibiotics.

This was not the first I had heard of Father Damien. There is a wonderful novel, Molokai, by Alan Brennert. It follows the human side of those in the colony. It tells of the tragedy of children being ripped from their homes and families because of this misunderstood disease. This is a well-written novel that truly tugs at your heart. The novel picks up after Father Damien's death, but he is mentioned often throughout the novel. I hope you will take the time to read this important story. I learned much about a bit of history I had been unaware existed.