Martyr of Charity: Father Damien’s Noble Mission to Molokai, mounted on the occasion of the canonization of Father Damien provides a glimpse of the exceptional achievements by a missionary priest who was named Belgium’s greatest personality, according to nationwide televised poll.

The exhibition is comprised of photographic reproductions drawn from the archives of the Damiaan Center in Leuven (Belgium). The images document the life and works of Father Damien on the island of Molokai.

As a member of the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts, who had pioneered Catholicism in the Hawaiian Islands, Father Damien had already ministered to natives in Honolulu for 9 years before accepting – with the sanction of his bishop – to work as resident priest of a settlement on Molokai. Over the course of the next 16 years he provided spiritual and medical assistance to the sick suffering from leprosy, the paralyzing disease that led to severe nerve damage, loss of feeling, and deterioration of the flesh, which had no known cure at the time. Father Damien’s legacy is a testimony to his vigorous advocating for the universal right to a compassionate health care system.

When he arrived on May 10, 1873, Father Damien was given charge of various districts on the island and, animated with a burning zeal, his robust constitution allowed him to give full play to the impulses of his heart. At the outset of his mission the missionary priest aimed to restore in each leper a sense of personal worth and dignity. Characterized by a down-to-earth Christian humanism, he was not only a missionary, but also constructed several chapels with his own hands; he taught his people to farm, to raise animals, to play musical instruments, to sing. According to Frank Verpoorten, responsible for Arts and Culture at Flanders House, “it is essential to recognize the humanism in the actions of this remarkable Fleming under whose inspiring lead a sense of dignity and joy replaced Molokai’s despair and lawlessness.”

Through the course of his ministry on Molokai, Father Damien’s views about leprosy changed: instead of a curse from God, as he initially thought leprosy to be, Damien instead came to believe that the disease could be something other than a punishment – perhaps even a blessing. Despite this belief, when his own symptoms began to appear, Damien at first maintained an anxious hope that he had not become infected. He tried to continue his ministry even after he began having difficulties walking and preaching until he succumbed to the disease in 1889.

The exhibition hopes to stimulate a discussion of his legacy by promoting issues related to justice and human rights, which were the cornerstone of Father Damien’s work.

The exhibition is open Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Free admission.