Day 56 – 25th February: St Damian of Molokai (De Veuster) 1840-1889

St Damian was born by the name of Joseph de Veuster and took on the name Damian when entering into the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Louvain. He became a missionary priest in Hawaii and went also to a neighbouring island called Molokai, where he ministered to people with leprosy, caring for their every spiritual need. He caught leprosy and died of this in 1889.

Prayer: St Damian of Molokai

Almighty God,

We thank you for the influence of

St Damian’s life and the work

he carried out for the Church in the Hawaiian Islands.

May we be influenced by the care and love

he gave to those who were unwell and suffering

from leprosy and other illnesses.

We make this prayer through Christ,

Your Son, Our Lord.

Amen.

St Damian of Molokai. Pray for us.