Father Damien circa 1863 (http://www.s-t.com/daily/02-98/02-14-98/damien.jpg)

Father Damien had done many great things for the people of Kalaupapa. “Life was grotesque on Moloka’i”( Office of the Provincial Congregation of Sacred Hearts) Damien said that when he first arrived “A heavy windstorm blew down most of the rotten abodes, and many a weakened leper lay in the wind and rain with his blanket and wet clothing.” As the resident priest in Kalaupapa he built houses, churches, and roads for the people. He organized better burials and funerals for the patients. Father Damien also ministered the sick, by washing them, covered their sores, and cleaning their huts. He wanted to make the settlement better and make the people comfortable. He worked hard to fulfill his dream of a nice settlement. He got suitable houses for the children and with the help of Henry P. Baldwin, a boy’s home was established. He taught the people to value their lives. He also taught them to farm, raise animals, play music, and sing. It took a lot of courage and determination to go up to these sick people and make a better life for the people forced to leave their families and live in isolation.

(http://www.tombarefoot.com/companyart/father_damien.jpg)

He was a very altruistic to take care of the people of Kalaupapa. He struggled immensely and conquered. He is a hero to all those in Kalaupapa who knew him. He came down with leprosy in 1885 and later died on April 15, 1889 at the age of 49. He was buried in Kalaupapa like he wanted. Later he was moved to his hometown in Belgium. He is known all over Hawaii and Belgium for his courageous and self-sacrificing life.