Father Damien

Father Damien, formally Joseph de Veuster, ss.cc. and Blessed Damien of Molokai (January 3, 1840 - April 15, 1889), was a Belgian Catholic missionary of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who is revered primarily by Hawaii residents and Christians for having dedicated his life in service to the lepers of Molokai in the Kingdom of Hawaii. In Catholicism, Father Damien is the spiritual patron of people with leprosy, outcasts, and those with HIV/AIDS, and of the State of Hawaii. Father Damien Day is recognized each year in Hawaii on April 15. His Feast Day in the Catholic Church is May 10.

Related Topics:
January 3 - 1840 - April 15 - 1889 - Missionary - Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Christians - Molokai - Kingdom of Hawaii - Catholicism - Leprosy - HIV - AIDS - State of Hawaii - May 10

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The Father Damien Statue memorializes the priest in bronze at the United States Capitol. A full size replica stands in front of the Hawaii State Legislature. In 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified him and bestowed the official title of Blessed Damien of Molokai.

Related Topics:
Father Damien Statue - United States Capitol - Hawaii State Legislature - 1995 - Pope John Paul II - Beatified

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