Saint Damien de Veuster

One of the beautiful features of the Third Edition, Roman Missal, is that we are introduced to some saints who have been canonized in recent years. I have seen them in other resources and have used their prayers on occasion to celebrate their life and the gift they are to the church. Now, we get to share fully by having their prayers in the Roman Missal. Today is a beautiful feast! It is the memorial of Saint Damien de Veuster. As his biography says, "Damien de Veuster was born in Tremeloo, Belgium, in 1840. He joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, and volunteered for the missions in Hawaii where he was ordained to the priesthood upon his arrival in 1864. In 1873 he began his ministry among the quarantined lepers of Moloka'i until his death of leprosy in 1889. Blessed John Paul II beatified him in 1995, and Pope Benedict XVI canonized him in 2009" (Magnificat, 128). Truly, Saint Damien is a saint for our time, just being canonized several years ago. We thank God for the gift of this priest and saint of the Church. As the Collect read, "Saint Damien a shining witness of love for the poorest and most abandoned" (128). The gospel for his memorial is very appropriate, John 15:9-11. Jesus says to his disciples, "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love." The love that Jesus shares with us is the same love that Saint Damien shared with those he ministered to. Saint Damien gave his life to minister to those who suffered from leprosy, so much so that he suffered from the same disease and died from it. He lived his life, faith, and ministry to the fullest and he did so with great love. Saint Damien de Veuster, a saint for our times and an example that we can follow as we share the life and love of Christ with others. Saint Damien, pray for us!!!