In the late 19th Century, a leper colony was established on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.  Officially, the Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement was said to be for the care of people with leprosy, which was then raging across Asia.  Unofficially, it was a prison where lepers were isolated from the rest of society and left to die.  Any leper who tried to leave the colony would be shot on sight.  Father Damien, a Belgian priest, was one of the few people willing to walk amongst the lepers.  When he was first sent to the colony, he was ordered to only administer last rites to the dying and to not allow himself to be touched.  Instead, Damien stayed and ministered to the lepers, knowing that he would probably never be allowed to leave.  For 16 years, Damien ministered to the colony.  Even after he himself grew sick, he continued his ministry and continued to be an advocate for his fellow lepers until he died.

Molokai: The Story of Father Damien is a wonderful film about the life and ministry of Father Damien.  The movie features a lot of familiar actors in small roles, like Sam Neill, Kris Kristofferson, Peter O’Toole, Tom Wilkinson, and Alice Krige.  But the star of the film is David Wenham, who portrays the kindness and dedication of Father Damien without ever making him seem idealized or boring.  Father Damien is guided by both his faith and his belief that no one should be abandoned.  It’s not always easy to watch.  The horrors of leprosy are unflinchingly portrayed.  But, by the end of the movie, it doesn’t matter if you’re Catholic or not.  You’re just thankful for men like Father Damien.

Saint Damien of Molokai was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.