“I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all to Jesus Christ.”
Henry L. Chase, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In this episode, Tom Shrewsbury tells the inspiring story of Father Damien, a priest who dedicated his life to serving those afflicted with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Born Joseph de Veuster in Belgium in 1840, Father Damien entered the religious order of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and later volunteered to serve on Molokai. He arrived on the island in 1873 and soon became integral to the community, building a church, caring for the sick, and improving living conditions.
Tom highlights Father Damien’s remarkable selflessness and indefatigable spirit in transforming the sorrowful conditions of the Molokai leper colony into a community centered around hope and dignity. Details of Damien’s life before his mission reveal his character’s evolution from a boisterous youth to a devoted religious figure. Tom narrates how Father Damien eventually contracted leprosy himself but continued his work, proclaiming solidarity with his parishioners through the statement, “We lepers.” Father Damien died in 1889 but left an enduring legacy. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, demonstrating his lasting impact as a symbol of selfless service and compassion. Throughout the episode, Tom reflects on the broader implications of Damien’s life and works, urging listeners to draw inspiration and perseverance from his example.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Father Damien – Tom Shrewsbury recalls his early memories of Father Damien and reflects on his canonization and enduring legacy. [00:00:01]
Chapter 2: Early Childhood and Family Background – Learn about Father Damien’s childhood in Belgium, including his family life and early signs of spiritual devotion. [00:01:34]
Chapter 3: Youthful Mischief and Spiritual Growth – Discover tales of Damien’s mischievous youth intertwined with his growing religious convictions. [00:03:00]
Chapter 4: Education and Early Struggles – Damien faces challenges at school due to the language barrier and his personal call to religious life. [00:05:34]
Chapter 5: Joining the Religious Life – Damien decides to join the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, influenced by his brother. [00:07:05]
Chapter 6: Missionary Calling to Hawaii – Damien replaces his brother on a mission to Hawaii and begins his life-changing journey. [00:08:20]
Chapter 7: Early Years in Hawaii – Damien’s adventures and challenges as he establishes himself as a priest on the island of Maui. [00:10:08]
Chapter 8: Facing Challenges and Disasters – Follow Damien’s brave acts to save lives and counter native superstitions, establishing his leadership. [00:12:21]
Chapter 9: Call to Serve in Molokai – Reveals Damien’s transition to serving the leper colony in Molokai, sparked by his deep faith and prayer. [00:19:42]
Chapter 10: Transforming Molokai – Damien’s dedicated efforts to improve living conditions and instill hope in the lepers of Molokai. [00:21:02]
Chapter 11: Legacy and Canonization – Overview of Damien’s lasting impact, concluding with his canonization as a saint in 2009. [00:26:42]
St. Damien of Molokai, also known as Father Damien, was a Belgian Catholic missionary who dedicated his life to serving the lepers on the Hawaiian island of Molokai in the 19th century. Born in 1840 in Belgium, he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and was sent to the Hawaiian Islands as a missionary. In 1873, he volunteered to go to the isolated leper colony on Molokai, where he ministered to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the afflicted individuals. St. Damien worked tirelessly to improve their living conditions, built homes, churches, and hospitals and provided comfort and care to the sick. He eventually contracted leprosy himself and died in 1889, becoming a symbol of selfless service and compassion. St. Damien was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2009 and is celebrated for his unwavering devotion to those who were marginalized and suffering. He is now honored as the patron saint of lepers.
Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
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