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Damien the Leper: A Life of Magnificent Courage, Devotion and Spirit
The great adventure of Damien the Leper began quietly over a century ago. Since then, his remarkable story has become legend throughout the world.
Joseph De Veuster left his secure life in Belgium, thrusting aside all thoughts of personal danger and spending the rest of his days as Father Damien comforting the sick and the dying. Though virtually entombed among the living dead of a leper colony on the island of Molokai, Father Damien managed to find beauty and enchantment in the lush surroundings. His extraordinary journey of the spirit comes to life in John Farrow's splendid biography, which has become a classic over the years and is sure to endure as long as people thrill to deeds of valor and pay homage to the great spiritual truths so perfectly reflected in this unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice, and devotion.
Joseph De Veuster left his secure life in Belgium, thrusting aside all thoughts of personal danger and spending the rest of his days as Father Damien comforting the sick and the dying. Though virtually entombed among the living dead of a leper colony on the island of Molokai, Father Damien managed to find beauty and enchantment in the lush surroundings. His extraordinary journey of the spirit comes to life in John Farrow's splendid biography, which has become a classic over the years and is sure to endure as long as people thrill to deeds of valor and pay homage to the great spiritual truths so perfectly reflected in this unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice, and devotion.
289 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1937
7 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
John Farrow
5 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Villiers Farrow, KGCHS, CBE was a film director, producer, novelist, screenwriter, and biographer who worked in the USA and Britain. He was a commander in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. He was married to the Irish-American actress Maureen O'Sullivan. He was co-recipient of the Academy Award for adapting Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days' for film (1956).
John Villiers Farrow, KGCHS, CBE was a film director, producer, novelist, screenwriter, and biographer who worked in the USA and Britain. He was a commander in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. He was married to the Irish-American actress Maureen O'Sullivan. He was co-recipient of the Academy Award for adapting Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days' for film (1956).
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 19, 2020
What an incredible book about an incredible, beautiful, Godly like man! What a true Saint! Five big stars!
May 20, 2022
What a book! Told like a novel almost… heartbreaking, beautiful, terrible… amazing story of St. Damien of Molokai.
May 4, 2015
This 1954 paperback copy of the biography of Damien of Molokai is actually a reprint of the prior edition from 1937 published by Steel and Ward, Inc., in 1937. It is important to note that it is a biography and not a hagiography. Nonetheless, in the interest of full disclosure, it should also be noted that at the time he wrote this book, John Farrow was a fairly recent convert to Catholicism, and received from Pope Pius XI, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in 1937, for writing this book. That said, it is still not written from a strictly Catholic perspective, and the foreword to this edition was written by Hugh Walpole, who was a popular novelist at the time, and the son of an Anglican clergyman.
Fr. Damien was born Joseph de Veuster, in Tremeloo, Belgium. He followed his older brother into the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary six years later, taking the name of Damien, a fourth-century physician and martyr. Little did anyone suspect at the time that he would become something of a physician himself, and that he too was bound for martyrdom.
Pamphile (the older brother) and Damien both desired a missionary life. Damien, however required some help with his studies. Pamphile tutored him in the classical languages considered essential for canonical service. Because of the lag in studies, Damien was neither ordained a priest, nor prepared for ordination at the time when the missionaries were to leave for service in the Sandwich Islands (which later came to be known as Hawaii). Pamphile was chosen to serve while Damien was to continue in his studies. Pamphile, however, became ill and was unable to travel. Damien bypassed normal chain of command channels and managed to win for himself a place aboard the ship among the missionaries.
After arriving in Hawaii, Damien was ordained by the bishop there and distinguished himself in managing an overlarge parish, and in personally designing and building churches and chapels within his parish. He would climb and walk great distances to bring the sacraments to the people entrusted to him, and carefully instruct them in the faith.
Leprosy at that time was a devastating, incurable disease. In fact, at the time Mr. Farrow was penning the biography, there was still no cure nor effective treatment for this ancient illness. It was well known even in biblical times, but now known at all in Hawaii until after the white man came, and brought it, along with other vices and illnesses, to these good people. Just as in biblical times, the normal response to leprosy was to isolate its victims, in order to protect others from the danger of infection. This was done by isolating them on the most inaccessible portion of the island of Molokai. Lepers were placed there without adequate food, water, clothing, or any of the other necessaries essential to human dignity.
Over time, the bishop spoke to his too few priests about the problem of Molokai. He could not bring himself to assign a priest to this doleful settlement. He knew that it would be a death sentence to any who went there, and that they would die without comfort of another who might bring them the sacraments.
Damien did not hesitate to volunteer for this arduous task. While he was not the only one to put his own name forward, he was easily the most persistent. The bishop divided Damien’s parish among other priests, and gave his blessing for Damien to go.
Once on Molokai, Damien quickly became a thorn in the side of Hawaiian government. He displayed little patience nor tact in dealing with the bureaucracy and its delays. He mistakenly thought that simply because his charges were people that the government would care about and for their needs. He was wrong. His perseverance, however, in pressing their cause actually caused the government to grow sterner at times with the settlement of Molokai and any who worked there. He was forbidden to ever leave the settlement, because they could not abide him showing up at the government offices pleading for help with basic sanitation needs.
Although his primary role was as a Catholic missionary, he understood his calling to be to all of God’s children. He would not, therefore, limit his ministrations to Catholics, but chose to serve all of those living within the lepers’ colony. He was not made to feel welcome by all, at least at the beginning, but came to win their love. He labored daily making coffins, digging graves, saying daily funeral Masses, building homes for the lepers, instructing in his faith, forming choirs and bands, and encouraging groups to compete in different ways to create and maintain morale. He also encouraged reforms in the licentious manner in which people were living. Before he came, many in the colony claimed that neither man’s nor God’s laws applied to them. They did as they pleased to whom they pleased. Damien reminded them of their inherent dignity and encouraged moral living.
Predictably, Damien eventually contracted leprosy. This did not stop him, however, from his rigorous physical regimen. He continued to labor mightily for those living in the colony with him. He built a hospital, and managed to find nursing nuns to come and offer their service, as well as others with different gifts, skills and talents. When he died, he asked to be buried beneath the tree that was his original shelter on the island.
As the first person to voluntarily come to the leper colony, and to literally sacrifice his entire life on behalf of the lepers living there, he was greatly mourned. His fame spread world-wide, although he tried to discourage any celebration of himself.
While there were many who lauded him, even those who disagreed with him during his lifetime came to recognize the invaluable contributions which he made to Molokai specifically, and to Hawaii generally. Even his critics spoke of him with admiration, with one possible exception. That exception was a “competitor” in the religious field, the Rev. Dr. C. McE. Hyde. He penned a dismissive, derisive one-page condemnation of Fr. Damien. He appears to belong to that sad group of individuals who seem to believe that they can only succeed if others fail.
The caustic letter of Dr. Hyde prompted a lengthy response of none other than Robert Louis Stevenson. This response is all the more remarkable when one learns that Stevenson had been the guest of Hyde, and, according to Mr. Stevenson, he and Dr. Hyde shared their protestant faith. Stevenson did not meet Fr. Damien during his life, but did visit Molokai after his death. He investigated the man’s life by avoiding Catholics, because of his fear that they would be unduly prejudiced in Damien’s favor.
Based upon his personal observations and interviews regarding the accomplishments of Fr. Damien, Robert Louis Stevenson eviscerated Dr. Hyde. He carefully took apart the one-page letter which was disdainful of Fr. Damien and responded to each and every charge made, and proved them to be false. The response is approximately 16 times longer than the original letter, and is most unforgiving. The manner in which Mr. Stevenson took apart Dr. Hyde could make one wonder if his displeasure went to the level where he named his most villainous personality in his famous novel (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) after the reverend doctor. That novel, however, was actually released at least three years prior to this exchange of correspondence.
We can never have enough recitations of the true adventures of men who are good and who strive with great effort for the well-being of others. This is such a book, and is well-written and entertaining, as well as informative. It will well withstand the test of time. The fact that Pope Benedict XVI canonized Fr. Damien a saint on October 11, 2009, should help to revive interest in the heroic life and work of this man.
Fr. Damien was born Joseph de Veuster, in Tremeloo, Belgium. He followed his older brother into the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary six years later, taking the name of Damien, a fourth-century physician and martyr. Little did anyone suspect at the time that he would become something of a physician himself, and that he too was bound for martyrdom.
Pamphile (the older brother) and Damien both desired a missionary life. Damien, however required some help with his studies. Pamphile tutored him in the classical languages considered essential for canonical service. Because of the lag in studies, Damien was neither ordained a priest, nor prepared for ordination at the time when the missionaries were to leave for service in the Sandwich Islands (which later came to be known as Hawaii). Pamphile was chosen to serve while Damien was to continue in his studies. Pamphile, however, became ill and was unable to travel. Damien bypassed normal chain of command channels and managed to win for himself a place aboard the ship among the missionaries.
After arriving in Hawaii, Damien was ordained by the bishop there and distinguished himself in managing an overlarge parish, and in personally designing and building churches and chapels within his parish. He would climb and walk great distances to bring the sacraments to the people entrusted to him, and carefully instruct them in the faith.
Leprosy at that time was a devastating, incurable disease. In fact, at the time Mr. Farrow was penning the biography, there was still no cure nor effective treatment for this ancient illness. It was well known even in biblical times, but now known at all in Hawaii until after the white man came, and brought it, along with other vices and illnesses, to these good people. Just as in biblical times, the normal response to leprosy was to isolate its victims, in order to protect others from the danger of infection. This was done by isolating them on the most inaccessible portion of the island of Molokai. Lepers were placed there without adequate food, water, clothing, or any of the other necessaries essential to human dignity.
Over time, the bishop spoke to his too few priests about the problem of Molokai. He could not bring himself to assign a priest to this doleful settlement. He knew that it would be a death sentence to any who went there, and that they would die without comfort of another who might bring them the sacraments.
Damien did not hesitate to volunteer for this arduous task. While he was not the only one to put his own name forward, he was easily the most persistent. The bishop divided Damien’s parish among other priests, and gave his blessing for Damien to go.
Once on Molokai, Damien quickly became a thorn in the side of Hawaiian government. He displayed little patience nor tact in dealing with the bureaucracy and its delays. He mistakenly thought that simply because his charges were people that the government would care about and for their needs. He was wrong. His perseverance, however, in pressing their cause actually caused the government to grow sterner at times with the settlement of Molokai and any who worked there. He was forbidden to ever leave the settlement, because they could not abide him showing up at the government offices pleading for help with basic sanitation needs.
Although his primary role was as a Catholic missionary, he understood his calling to be to all of God’s children. He would not, therefore, limit his ministrations to Catholics, but chose to serve all of those living within the lepers’ colony. He was not made to feel welcome by all, at least at the beginning, but came to win their love. He labored daily making coffins, digging graves, saying daily funeral Masses, building homes for the lepers, instructing in his faith, forming choirs and bands, and encouraging groups to compete in different ways to create and maintain morale. He also encouraged reforms in the licentious manner in which people were living. Before he came, many in the colony claimed that neither man’s nor God’s laws applied to them. They did as they pleased to whom they pleased. Damien reminded them of their inherent dignity and encouraged moral living.
Predictably, Damien eventually contracted leprosy. This did not stop him, however, from his rigorous physical regimen. He continued to labor mightily for those living in the colony with him. He built a hospital, and managed to find nursing nuns to come and offer their service, as well as others with different gifts, skills and talents. When he died, he asked to be buried beneath the tree that was his original shelter on the island.
As the first person to voluntarily come to the leper colony, and to literally sacrifice his entire life on behalf of the lepers living there, he was greatly mourned. His fame spread world-wide, although he tried to discourage any celebration of himself.
While there were many who lauded him, even those who disagreed with him during his lifetime came to recognize the invaluable contributions which he made to Molokai specifically, and to Hawaii generally. Even his critics spoke of him with admiration, with one possible exception. That exception was a “competitor” in the religious field, the Rev. Dr. C. McE. Hyde. He penned a dismissive, derisive one-page condemnation of Fr. Damien. He appears to belong to that sad group of individuals who seem to believe that they can only succeed if others fail.
The caustic letter of Dr. Hyde prompted a lengthy response of none other than Robert Louis Stevenson. This response is all the more remarkable when one learns that Stevenson had been the guest of Hyde, and, according to Mr. Stevenson, he and Dr. Hyde shared their protestant faith. Stevenson did not meet Fr. Damien during his life, but did visit Molokai after his death. He investigated the man’s life by avoiding Catholics, because of his fear that they would be unduly prejudiced in Damien’s favor.
Based upon his personal observations and interviews regarding the accomplishments of Fr. Damien, Robert Louis Stevenson eviscerated Dr. Hyde. He carefully took apart the one-page letter which was disdainful of Fr. Damien and responded to each and every charge made, and proved them to be false. The response is approximately 16 times longer than the original letter, and is most unforgiving. The manner in which Mr. Stevenson took apart Dr. Hyde could make one wonder if his displeasure went to the level where he named his most villainous personality in his famous novel (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) after the reverend doctor. That novel, however, was actually released at least three years prior to this exchange of correspondence.
We can never have enough recitations of the true adventures of men who are good and who strive with great effort for the well-being of others. This is such a book, and is well-written and entertaining, as well as informative. It will well withstand the test of time. The fact that Pope Benedict XVI canonized Fr. Damien a saint on October 11, 2009, should help to revive interest in the heroic life and work of this man.
July 9, 2015
Published in 1951, the life story of Father Damien, born in Belgium but spent the majority of his life on a Hawaiian Island to which lepers were banned. An amazing account of his faith strength and commitment to improving the lives of lepers. As is to be expected, within several years of his death, discounters and critics arose. The final chapter is a lengthy and wordy letter written by Robert Louis Stevenson, putting to shame a doubter. An inspiring read.
July 17, 2014
Dipping more than a few toes into sensationalism, Farrow writes of the conditions of the leper colony on Molokai:
���Those people, already doomed to death, had been exiled to die in surroundings and conditions they bitterly resented. Feeling that they were beyond the power of any earthly law, and having no knowledge or assurance of any other, they abandoned themselves to their fate with apathy alternating with orgies. Supplies were soon exhausted. The stronger stole from the weak. The agonies of the dying were made more acute with the cruelties of starvation and exposure. A species of native beer, foul to the taste, but strong to the senses, was easy to brew from the roots of a wild plant. Drunkenness became rife, rioting broke out. Soon there was no semblance of order amongst scenes of incredible debauch and sexual license that always in macabre accompaniment had the unheeded cries of the dying. . . .Troops were sent but sentries who were not afraid of steel or powder ran flying before the lepers who used their open sores as weapons; two or three rushing a healthy man and enveloping him in a ghastly embrace, rubbing their spittle and pus on his skin.���
Outstanding.
���Those people, already doomed to death, had been exiled to die in surroundings and conditions they bitterly resented. Feeling that they were beyond the power of any earthly law, and having no knowledge or assurance of any other, they abandoned themselves to their fate with apathy alternating with orgies. Supplies were soon exhausted. The stronger stole from the weak. The agonies of the dying were made more acute with the cruelties of starvation and exposure. A species of native beer, foul to the taste, but strong to the senses, was easy to brew from the roots of a wild plant. Drunkenness became rife, rioting broke out. Soon there was no semblance of order amongst scenes of incredible debauch and sexual license that always in macabre accompaniment had the unheeded cries of the dying. . . .Troops were sent but sentries who were not afraid of steel or powder ran flying before the lepers who used their open sores as weapons; two or three rushing a healthy man and enveloping him in a ghastly embrace, rubbing their spittle and pus on his skin.���
Outstanding.
April 4, 2012
Terrific book. First time I heard of it was when I was teaching 8th grade in Granite School District. I read it and prepared to teach it. Very powerful book. A few years later, I traveledd to Hawaii and heard the account of this amazing priest from a local guide in the city where it all happened. It is wel worth the time to read. The world would be a much nicer place for all of us if we all were the kinds of Christians that Damien was.
September 17, 2017
A good and decently researched book on Fr. Damien. At times it can be a little hagiographical or dramatic, but the author has definitely done his research, even if he dramatizes it a bit here or there.
May 9, 2018
Powerful witness of one man imitating Jesus Christ by committing (and dying) for the sick.
Here is a quote about the change and hope that Fr. Damien brought to the people who had been living without hope for years.
"Miseries were forgotten before the opiate of industry. Men who had been content to await death in a pathetic squalor now gained an interest in life, and in the place where laughter had been forgotten and where each had been for himself community groups now vied with each other in cheerful competition as to who could erect a cottage in the quickest time."
Moral: We all need to be given a reason to live...to live fully. Will you or I be that person who gives a reason to live fully.
Here is a quote about the change and hope that Fr. Damien brought to the people who had been living without hope for years.
"Miseries were forgotten before the opiate of industry. Men who had been content to await death in a pathetic squalor now gained an interest in life, and in the place where laughter had been forgotten and where each had been for himself community groups now vied with each other in cheerful competition as to who could erect a cottage in the quickest time."
Moral: We all need to be given a reason to live...to live fully. Will you or I be that person who gives a reason to live fully.
February 1, 2018
A very engaging book. It reads like a novel. It was also very interesting to read a book written much closer to the time St. Damien lived than others that I had read.
Read
August 9, 2019Well written biography of an amazing and inspiring life.
August 1, 2021
A inspring book. Really enjoyed it, because it pushed my brain to think about what I wanna do to contribute to the world.
More than worth it to read...
More than worth it to read...
Read
October 4, 2021I was reading this in January 1970
August 20, 2023
One of our book club members is from Belgium, where Damien is held in high regard. I'm betting she chose this book, and I'm glad she did.
Read
May 4, 2021Read this tear jerker in high school. Remembered while reading Michener's Hawaii (which I should have read in HS).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2013
This was a Salvation Army random pick up. (Don't overlook the book possibilities at your local S & A boutique!) Missionaries, especially from the previous century often get a bad wrap. This being a Catholic missionary, and me with a very Protestant upbringing should make for an interesting and enlightening read.
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Just finished, and I am surprised by how much I enjoyed and got from reading this historical account. I like history, and pick up historical biographies often, to never finish because they are just to boring. This can be said for this book for about the first 3 or 4 chapters. However, by the time Father Damien gets to the leper island in Hawaii, the story really started to hook me in. His unbelievable sacrifice and love for people who were truly the dregs of society is a beautiful story. I was born late enough in the 20th century that the whole Protestant/Catholic thing is not a anything that I care about, but it absolutely was at the time (mid 1800's), not to mention the time this book was published (1960s). What I loved the most about Father Damien is how his life demonstrated the truth that: if anyone loves Christ first, their theology associated with Christ is not nearly as important as their serving and loving those in need. Second, I liked that he was not perfect, a renegade, a real pain sometimes with those in authority, but went out of his way to not offend anyone who was suffering. As strange as it sounds I found myself gaining insight with my own walk as I read about Father Damien.
The best 25 cents I have spent in a long time!
Highly recommended for those interested not only in historical and missionary biographies but inspiration of true Christ-likeness in the harshest of circumstances.
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Just finished, and I am surprised by how much I enjoyed and got from reading this historical account. I like history, and pick up historical biographies often, to never finish because they are just to boring. This can be said for this book for about the first 3 or 4 chapters. However, by the time Father Damien gets to the leper island in Hawaii, the story really started to hook me in. His unbelievable sacrifice and love for people who were truly the dregs of society is a beautiful story. I was born late enough in the 20th century that the whole Protestant/Catholic thing is not a anything that I care about, but it absolutely was at the time (mid 1800's), not to mention the time this book was published (1960s). What I loved the most about Father Damien is how his life demonstrated the truth that: if anyone loves Christ first, their theology associated with Christ is not nearly as important as their serving and loving those in need. Second, I liked that he was not perfect, a renegade, a real pain sometimes with those in authority, but went out of his way to not offend anyone who was suffering. As strange as it sounds I found myself gaining insight with my own walk as I read about Father Damien.
The best 25 cents I have spent in a long time!
Highly recommended for those interested not only in historical and missionary biographies but inspiration of true Christ-likeness in the harshest of circumstances.
December 4, 2013
Incredible life of a man committed to his calling. Appeared to be objective, helping us understand you don't have to be perfect to accomplish good work and impact people in a positive way. Also a good commentary on the difference between government run charities and those run by religious or private organizations. Highly recommend!
December 16, 2015
I have read several books on Father Damien. This was a reread for me. This is not a religious or Catholic book. It is a well written ( even as old as it is ,still readable) biography of a great man who had compassion for all regardless of faith or health. Father Damien chose to go to Molokai knowing that at some point he too would contract the disease. A great lesson for myself...
January 14, 2008
Amazing story of the missionary priest in Hawaii, written for the devout in a style that is unfortunately dated. (This includes attitudes towards the natives, and women in general.) I grew up with the Image paperbacks, but not for everyone.
May 4, 2014
Interesting read on the history of leprosy in the Hawaiian Island. Of course, I found it more inspiring to read about someone who so genuinely cared about his neighbors regardless of their race, sex, or religion.
November 30, 2007
I read it after visiting Molokai which was fascinating, but this book was very dull and not a good read.
February 15, 2009
I was fascinated by this book. I read some mediocre reviews but I liked the simplicity of the read.
October 10, 2012
Fr Damien is a real hero and saint,he did so much and gave so much of himself(including his own life)to help the poor lepers in Molokai,Hawaii.
April 3, 2011
Another confirmation present from Aunt Clara. I don't really know that it is a great book or anything. but I love my Aunt Clara for giving it to me.
December 18, 2012
I enjoyed this little book. It is a quick read, and succinctly tells the heroic tale of Father Damien. It will leave you feeling inspired, and more than just a little inadequate.
September 19, 2014
It has been at least thirty years since I read this book. I do remember being impressed.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews