Father Damien
Flemish missionary and priest
Father Damien Rank
About Father Damien
Father Damien is regarded as the martyr of charity due to his selfless behavior at a time when hundreds of afflicted persons needed help. He is remembered for having served in the Kingdom of Hawaii’s Molokai Island, where people suffering from leprosy had been quarantined according to a government mandate. He led his ministry in the region from 1873 to 1889, a period during which he taught the Catholic faith; built schools; houses, roads, churches and hospitals; and personally took care of the patients. He got infected in 1884 and died five years later.
Family Life
He was the last of the seven children of Joannes Franciscus De Veuster, a corn merchant and Anne-Catherine Wouters.
Honors
In October 2009, Pope Benedict XVI canonized him. He has since been known as Saint Damien of Molokai.
Death
He died at 49 years old on April 15, 1889 from leprosy.
Father Damien Rank
Father Damien photo gallery
F.A.Q. about Father Damien
When is his birthday?
Father Damien's birthday is on January 3, 1840.
In how many days is his birthday?
Father Damien's birthday is in 41 days
How old was Father Damien when he died?
He was 49 years old.
When did he die?
He died in April 15, 1889.
How old would he be today?
Father Damien would be 184 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Father Damien from?
He was born in Tremelo, Flemish Brabant, Belgium.