how deep is your mercy? (pt. 2)

I recently watched a movie I have had in my Netflix Queue for months, "Molokai: the story of Father Damien". I was humbled... and moved.

Damien was a Catholic Priest from Belgium in the 1800's who volunteered to the mission of being the only Priest on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i; specifically, the northern peninsula which was a government-sanctioned medical quarantine for those with Hansen's Disease (leprosy).

Father Damien arrived to Molokai at the age of 33, in the year 1873. Six months later, he wrote his brother in Europe saying, "...I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all to Jesus Christ."

Damien's arrival was a turning point for that neglected community. Under his leadership, basic laws were established and enforced, shacks (which were few) became over 350 painted houses, working farms were organized and schools were erected. At his own request, as well as that of the lepers, Father Damien remained on Moloka'i after his one month mission had expired.

In December of 1884, while preparing to bathe, Damien inadvertently put his foot into scalding water, causing his skin to blister... he felt nothing. It was then, 11 years after his arrival, he had finally contracted leprosy. Despite this discovery, Damien worked vigorously to complete building projects, enlarge the orphanages, and organize his work so it would continue after his death. 

Not a day too late, four strangers came to help the ailing missionary: a priest, a soldier, a male nurse, and a nun. Louis Lambert Conrardy (a Belgian priest), Mother Marianne Cope (the head of the Franciscan-run St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, New York), Joseph Dutton (an American Civil War soldier, whose marriage had been broken by alcoholism) and James Sinnett (a nurse from Chicago) each took their experiences, skills and gifts to continue the vision and work of Father Damien. Conrardy took up pastoral duties; Cope organized a working hospital; Dutton attended to the construction and maintenance of the community's buildings; and Sinnett nursed Damien in the last stages of his disease. 

It wasn't too long before Father Damien was seen walking the island with one of his arms in a sling, a foot in bandages, and dragging his leg behind him. Damien knew more and more every day that his death was near. 

He became bedridden on March 23, 1889, and after 16 years of being the utmost servant, Father Damien died of leprosy at 8:00 am on April 15, 1889 (age 49).

"I think the company helps... but I know the prayers do." 

~ Father Damien, speaking to an uninfected islander and unbeliever as he walked into the hut of a leper.

(short article on Molokai and Father Damien)