St. Damien of Molokai

The story of Father Damien, the priest who devoted his life to lepers on the island of Molokai and eventually died of leprosy at the early age of 49, has been told for years as an example of a man who lived for others. For those of us who knew only these facts, it was expected that he would be canonized eventually for living such a heroic life. We regarded him as one of those special figures whose deeds are far beyond our reach, one of those plaster saints born to sanctity from birth, worthy of admiration, but impossible to emulate. However, there was another side to his life which does make him and his holy life accessible and possible for us to imitate on our path to holiness. During his remarks at Father Damien's beatification, Pope John Paul II reminded the audience and us that " Holiness is not perfection according to human criteria; it is not reserved for a small number of exceptional persons. It is for everyone; it is the Lord who brings us to holiness, when we are willing to collaborate in the salvation of the world for the glory of God, despite our sin and our sometimes rebelious temperament."
Evidently Father Damien was a man with weaknesses visible to his parishoners and superiors. Indeed, he was accused of imoral behavior. If you are interested in more details, see John Farrow's well-knowns biography, Damien the Leper. Actress Mia Farrow referred to her father as "a devout Catholic and womanizer of legendary proportions"; evidently he found comfort and inspiration in Father Damien's life to help him with his own weaknesses. Both men demonstrate that holiness is something we grow into through many a struggle, mistake and sin. The difference between a saint and sinner is the willingness and determination not to let failings impede the grace and great love of the God who can transform us. We are not called to care for lepers, but we are called to holiness. May St. Damien's loving and endless care, once bestowed on lepers help us find healing for our spiritual leprosy.
Bro. Rene