CAPG's Blog 

Father Damien

• Quote: "The Blessed Sacrament is indeed the stimulus for us all, for me as it should be for you, to forsake all worldly ambitions. Without the constant presence of our Divine Master upon the altar in my poor chapels, I never could have persevered casting my lot with the afflicted of Molokai; the foreseen consequence of which begins now to appear on my skin, and is felt thoughout the body. Holy Communion being the daily bread of a priest, I feel myself happy, well pleased, and resigned in the rather exceptional circumstances in which it has pleased Divine Providence to put me."

"Father Damien was the first white worker to live permanently at Kalawo, arriving on Molokai with nothing but his breviary. While awaiting lumber to build a house, he lived under a pandanus tree by the side of St. Philomena chapel. During the day he immersed himself in work necessary for the improvement of the colony. His immediate concern of course, the reason for his placement there, was attending to the people's spiritual needs. This he accomplished by visiting them in their huts and administering the Sacraments at their deathbed.

Damien realized that before future efforts could be made to improve the lot of these luckless people, a firm spiritual foundation had to be laid. Both Catholics and non-Catholics were welcome at Mass. Knowing the Hawaiian love of ceremony, he conducted elaborate religious services. Sunday High Mass became the highlight of the week. The nuns in Honolulu sent red soutanes and lace surplices for the altar and choir boys. Damien revived interest in music and singing. Membership in the choir became a great honor for both children and adults, and choir practice frequently took place in the evenings under the trees. A band was organized, whose primitive instruments were soon replaced with better ones from Honolulu. Many religious processions and fiestas were instituted, the biggest event of the year being on the feast day or Corpus Christi. This celebration was prepared for weeks in advance. Flowers were gathered and woven into wreaths, and on the feast day, while Damien carried the Blessed Sacrament through the village, children strewed petals along the way and other parishioners joined in hymns. Damien conducted religious services with as much pomp and sacred music as possible, and by his earnest and constant preaching endeavored to win more souls to God. At the same time, he was continually at the service of all the unfortunate inmates, whatever their religion, in a variety of ways."  St. Philomena Catholic Church (Father Damien's Church) Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Molokai, Hawaii 1985 page 16.

• "Were it not for the constant presence of our Divine Master in our humble chapel, I would not have found it possible to persevere in sharing the lot of the afflicted in Molokai... The Eucharist is the bread that gives strenght... It is at once the most eloquent proof of His Love and the most powerful means of fostering His love in us. He gives Himself every day so that our hearts as burning coals may set afire the hearts of the faithful"

Prayer:

Saint Damien, brother on the journey, happy and generous missionary, who loved the Gospel more than your life, who for love of Jesus left your family, your homeland, your security, your dreams, teach us to give our lives with a joy like yours, to be in solidarity with the outcasts of the world, to celebrate and contemplate the Eucharist as the source of our commitment. Help us to love to the very end and, in the strength of the Spirit, to persevere in compassion for the poor and forgotten so that we might be good disciples of Jesus and Mary. Amen (Diocese of Honolulu)