From a young age, Father Eustáquio knew of the blessings and heroism of Saint Damien, who was known in the region for his story of love and care for people suffering from leprosy in Molokai. In his youth, reading about the Saint's life captivated the Missionary of Health and Peace, and sparked in his heart the dream of a missionary life, just like the apostle of the lepers. And that is how the Blessed One entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts.

Life and legacy of Saint Damien of Molokai

Jozef de Veuster was born in Tremelo on January 3, 1840. Having entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, he adopted the name Damien. Influenced by his brother, who wanted to be a missionary in distant lands, he also decided to go to mission areas. He obtained permission to move to the Hawaiian archipelago. Thus, he arrived in Honolulu, the capital of the islands. There he received priestly ordination and began to dedicate himself particularly to the sick.

At that time, those suffering from leprosy or Hansen's disease were sent and forced to live in a colony on the island of Molokai. Faced with the need for a priest to provide religious and spiritual care, Damien volunteered to take on this mission. Gradually, however, the holy missionary transformed Molokai. He built a church dedicated to Saint Philomena, a hospital, an infirmary, a school, and several houses on the island.

In 1885, at the age of 49, Father Damien himself contracted leprosy. Offered to leave the island for treatment, Father Damien refused. Despite the pain, he continued God's work among those despised people. Shortly before his death, he witnessed the arrival of Father Wendelin and the Franciscan Sisters, who took over the infirmary. One of them was Blessed Mother Marianna Cope, who served the island's sick for over 30 years. Father Damien passed away on April 15, 1889, was beatified by Saint John Paul II in 1995, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

May 10th was chosen as the liturgical day for the remembrance of Saint Damien of Molokai because it was the day he arrived on the island to care for the lepers.