"Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city." // Acts 18:9-10
Saint Damien of Molokai, whose feast we celebrate today, had a steadfast faith in God and took to heart the above words spoken by the Lord to Saint Paul, found in today’s First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
In a letter written by his superior, Damien was invited to the Molokai island of Lepers to "stay as long as your devotion dictates."* And stay he did, for sixteen years in what he called the "living graveyard that was Molokai," where he died at forty-nine years old in service to people he didn't refer to as his brethren, but instead, "we lepers."
He built houses, a chapel, and a graveyard to properly bury the deceased rather than have wild animals eat their remains. He said Mass, heard Confessions, forgave sins, and placed the Holy Eucharist on their tongues, knowing that touch would give him the disease. Eventually, his entire body would carry the disease. He embraced, mourned, and grieved with them, but he also rejoiced with them. And He gave them a reason to rejoice: eternal salvation in Christ.
His example reminds us to embrace the suffering of those around us: the homeless, the elderly and forgotten, the mentally and physically ill, those with addictions beyond our understanding, those with wounds we can see and those that are so internal that only God can see them. Embrace those who suffer to the point that you do not fear their suffering but instead enter into it, so they never feel alone or abandoned.
When we "stay as long as our devotion dictates," we encounter suffering that shifts to compassion and grief that evolves into joy. We also discover the pierced, Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Lord, like Saint Damien of Molokai, give us a heart like Yours. Hearts ready to suffer with the suffering and die to ourselves in hopes of rising with You.
*Note: Facts and quotations are found in this article from EWTN. Check it out to learn more!
Tricia Tembreull is a seasoned ministry professional dedicated to guiding young hearts toward spiritual growth, healing, and the love of Christ. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Tricia has served in various roles, including as a youth minister, college campus ministry at USC Caruso Catholic Center, and Regional Director for Life Teen International. As a devotions writer for Blessed Is She, she shares scripture reflections that resonate deeply with women of faith. Recognized as a compelling Catholic speaker, Tricia challenges audiences to embrace their faith with authenticity. Additionally, as a spiritual director, she provides compassionate support to those seeking deeper connections with God. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, Tricia continues to inspire young adults to embrace their faith journey with zeal and purpose, embodying a commitment to spreading the gospel while fostering communities of love.
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