Father Damien's First Days at Kalaupapa

The following description of his first days were written by Father Damien in June, 1886:

"About eighty of the lepers were in the hospital; the others, with a very few kokuas (helpers), had taken their abode further up toward the valley.  They had cut down the old pandanus or punhala groves to build their houses, though a great many had nothing but branches of castor-oil trees with which to construct their small shelters.  These frail frames were covered with ki leaves or with sugar caen leaves, the best ones with pili grass.  I myself was sheltered during several weeks under the single pandanus-tree which is preserved up to the present in the churchyard.  Under such primitive roofs were living in the most revolting promiscuity, without distinction of age or sex, old or new cases, all more or less strangers one to another, these unfortunate outcasts of society.  They occupied their time by playing cards, hula (native dances), drinking fermented ki-root beer, homemade alcohol, and with the sequels of all this.  Their clothes being far from clean and decent, on account of the scarcity of water, which had to be brought at that time from a great distance.  Many a time in fulfilling my priestly duty at their domiciles, I have been compelled to run outside to breathe fresh air.  To counter-act the bad smell, I accustomed myself to the use of tobacco, an and on many occasions the smell of the pipe was my preservation, and saved me from carrying in my clothes the noxious odor of the lepers..."

Source: Faith in Paradise, St. Paul Editions

Father Damien's Rule of Life

Fr. Damien's Grave, Kalawao
Photo by Esther


Brother Joseph Dutton's Grave - Kalawao
Photo by Esther

Today I finished reading the book I picked up during our pilgrimage to Kalaupapa and Kalawao. The book is Damien and Dutton, Two Josephs on Molokai by the late Howard E. Crouch. I found the book to be extremely interesting especially due to the fact that I was personally familiar with many of the places mentioned in the book. Some of the names also started to be put in context because for example, I have visited their burial places. It brought be even closer to Father Damien and my love and admiration for him has grown even more, if that is possible.

I would like to share with you Father Damien's Rule of Life, from the book that published by the Damien-Dutton Leprosy Society

Father Damien's Rule of Life
September 3, 1879

5 a.m. Rise and go to the Church as soon as possible. Morning prayers, Adoration and Meditation.

6:30 Mass and instruction. Thanksgiving until quarter to eight.

7:45 Take care of various matters for the good of the faithful.

8:00 Breakfast followed by a short recreation and domestic affairs.

9:00 Small hours (on the porch).

9:30 Spiritual reading followed by study and correspondence until noon.

12:00 Dinner.
After dinner visit the sick and the Christians in general in such a way that each week I may know all that goes on in each house in my district.
If I can return by 5 0'clock, say vespers and occupy myself with domestic affairs.

6:00 Supper.
When twilight sets in, Rosary, Breviary, Night Prayers.

9-10 Retire.

A Young Damien's Letter to His Parents

You can read it over at Fr. Daren's blog