Father Damien

Robert Louis Stevenson,author of Treasure Island, describes Moloka‘i before Father Damien arrived: “It was a different place when Damien came there and made his renunciation, and slept that first night under a tree amidst his rotting brethren: alone with pestilence; and looking forward (with what courage, with what pitiful sinkings of dread, God only knows) to a lifetime of dressing sores and stumps.” (Bunson, 250) This quote shows the impact that Father Damien had on the island of Moloka‘i, and the courage he had to complete the task. During Father Damien’s time on Moloka‘i, he was all kinds of different traits. Two of the traits that stood out to me the most was benevolent and valiant.

Let’s start by learning more about Father Damien

Valiant means possessing bravery, courage, determination, and showing heroic actions. He volunteered to go to Moloka‘i. Father Damien not only volunteered, he didn’t hesitate for a moment, even when the Bishop questioned him, and was the first to volunteer. He calmly touches the leprosy patients as if they don’t have the disease. Most people would think twice about going to a place with Hansen’s disease, but Father Damien chose to stay at Moloka‘i permanently. I thought it was very brave of Father Damien when he stood up to the person who “took care” of Little Bishop and the owner who he always argues with. When people get the new of getting a hard to cure disease, they usually break down. However, Father Damien accepts the truth and continues to move on as if nothing has

During his lifetime, he was very benevolent and valiant. Damien never lost sight of life’s purpose, despite the many difficulties and sufferings he bore. It was only his faith in God that helped him endure the obstacles in life. Damien’s compassion for the lepers led him to sixteen years in the “living graveyard that was Moloka‘i” where he died at the age of 49 in service to people suffering to the terrible disease of