Jesus in the Eucharist demonstrates God’s continual presence in our broken world and our lives — even when things are desperate. St Damien of Molokai shows how Jesus in the Eucharist enables us to bring God’s presence to the darkest corners of the world.
Background
Born Jozef De Veuster on January 3, 1840, in Tremelo, Belgium. At the age of 19, he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, taking the name Damien. In 1864, he volunteered to go to the Hawaiian Islands, a mission field overseen by his religious order. Ordained a priest in Honolulu, he initially served in various parishes on the island of Hawaii.
In 1873, a call was sent for volunteers to serve on the remote Kalaupapa peninsula of Molokai, where individuals with leprosy were forcibly relocated and isolated. St Damien volunteered, against many recommendations of his peers.
Arrival on Molokai and Role of the Eucharist
Arriving at the leper colony, he found deplorable conditions, with inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, and little hope. Father Damien dedicated himself to improving the lives of the leprosy patients, building houses, establishing schools, and providing medical and spiritual care. His work brought dignity and hope to the suffering community. At the center of his work was Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He brought them to closer union with their Maker through the beautiful liturgies he organized, frequent Benediction, and Eucharistic Processions.
It was this strong apostleship pf the Eucharist that filled the lives of the lepers. Their Eucharistic adoration was an edifying homage to the Lord. He wrote to his brother,
“Without the constant presence of our Divine Master, I would never be able to cast my lot with that of the lepers.”
Risking contracting leprosy himself, Damien lived among the patients, treating their wounds, and offering comfort. His tireless advocacy for better resources eventually drew attention and support from both the Hawaiian government and international benefactors.
In 1884, after 11 years of devoted service, Damien was diagnosed with leprosy. He continued his work, despite his deteriorating health, refusing to leave his post.
It was when he set up numerous adoration chapels that he experienced the depth of the lepers’ faith and devotion. Related to the establishment of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration on the island, Father Damien wrote to his provincial in 1888,
“This is the fifteenth year we observe night Adoration…all of us lepers.”
His Lasting Impact
His condition raised awareness about the plight of leprosy patients and inspired greater efforts to address the disease.
Father Damien succumbed to leprosy on April 15, 1889, at the age of 49. His legacy of compassion and sacrifice was recognized worldwide, and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI canonized him as a saint. St. Damien of Molokai is celebrated as a patron of leprosy and HIV/AIDS patients, and his life remains a powerful example of selfless service and dedication to the marginalized and afflicted.
This article was created with content from Damien High School .
