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3 unusual facts about Father Damien


Damien The Leper Society

The organization is named after priest now known as Saint Damien (or Damien the Leper or Damien of Molokai), who spent the majority of his life caring for the poor and outcast lepers on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

Father Damien

Father Damien was portrayed in 1980 by Ken Howard in the television film Father Damien: The Leper Priest.

Saint Damien

Father Damien (1840-1849), also called Saint Damien of Molokai, a Roman Catholic priest from Belgium


John M. Systermans

His service there followed in the tradition of fellow Belgian priest, Saint Damien, and his contributions were part of the research gathered by Gavan Daws for the definitive biography Holy Man: Father Damien of Molokai.

Mabel Alvarez

Her father, Luis F. Alvarez, a physician, was involved with the leprosy research begun by the legendary Father Damien.

Marisol Escobar

Marisol as well includes her interpretation of the suffering in the human condition in some of her artwork such as “Dust Bowl Migrants” and “Father Damien.” The latter sculpture is the centerpiece of the entrance to the Hawaii State Capitol and the Hawaii State Legislature in Honolulu.

Tambi Larsen

During a time-out from Hollywood while he designed a movie about Father Damien, Larsen began visiting Hawaii.


see also

Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement and National Historical Park

The 1999 movie Molokai featuring Peter O'Toole and Kris Kristofferson focuses on the story of Father Damien and the leper colony.

Long after the death of Father Damien, Belgian missionary priests from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary continued to devote their lives to work on Molokai and assist its ex-leper flock.