Saint Damien of Molokai / Santo Damiano de Molokai

This paper doll now appears in the Saints Coloring Book, Vol. 2. You can find out the details at the Paper Dali Etsy shop.


In celebration of tomorrow's canonization of Blessed Damien of Molokai, I've drawn up a paper doll of him.

The Apostle of the Lepers
Also known as the leper priest, the Belgian missionary priest volunteered to serve at the leper colony on Molokai. Despite the horrid conditions there (not only the illness itself but the lawlessness of the area), the priest stayed there for the rest of his life. He was loving and gentle, but also stern and admonishing when necessary. His life is truly inspirational for all those who feel abandoned or lost, or anyone who is in a tough situation, whether physically or emotionally.

To learn more about this beloved missionary priest, you can watch the movie "Molokai: The Story of Father Damien." (If the lead looks familiar, it's David Wenham, Faromir from the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy, showing impressive acting chops. Plus, Peter O'Toole, Sam Neill and Derek Jacobi aren't slouches either.) Catholic Heritage Curricula, a homeschool publisher, also has a downloadable biography of Father Damien, complete with photographs, and even a reading comprehension questions and activities at the end. ETWN (Eternal Word Television Network) is airing a documentary called "An Uncommon Kindness: The Father Damien Story" on Sunday, October 11, at 2 a.m. ET and 10:30 a.m. ET.

For details about the canonization Mass, visit EWTN's programming schedule.

Have fun with history!
(And pray for us, Father Damien!)
Veronica