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.

Movie

After the beatification of Blessed Damien, Belgian film producer Tharsi Vanhuysse was inspired to lead a project honoring the famous priest. Vanhuysse teamed with film producer Grietje Lammertyn of ERA Films and searched for screenwriter, director and unknown actors. Australian David Wenham was chosen to play the lead. Another Australian, Paul Cox, was selected to direct the project. Previously, he had completed an independent movie about the artist Vincent van Gogh. American John Briley wrote the screenplay. Briley was an Academy Award winner for writing the screenplay for Gandhi. He also worked on the movie, Cry Freedom. Other actors in the movie entitled Molokai: The Story of Father Damien include Derek Jacobi, Kris Kristofferson, Sam Neill, Tom Wilkinson, Peter O'Toole and David Wenham. The movie was released on March 17, 2000.

Related Topics:
Vincent van Gogh - Academy Award - Gandhi - Cry Freedom - Derek Jacobi - Kris Kristofferson - Sam Neill - Tom Wilkinson - Peter O'Toole - David Wenham - March 17 - 2000

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