Tag: leper
Father Damien of Molokai
A century ago Hawaiian blood froze at the very name “Molokai.”Lepers waded through this surf to await death. —FROM THE DAMIEN MUSEUM, HONOLULU As a boy, I heard “leopard colony” and dreamed of joining him for a glimpse of the big cats with the terrifying skin. At night, in bed, I’d whisper “Da-mi-en of Mol-o-kai… Read More ›
Perfect Charity
Abba Agathon said, “If I could meet a leper, give him my body and take his, I should be very happy.” That is perfect charity. It was also said of him that when he came into the town one day to sell his goods, he met a sick traveller lying in the public place with… Read More ›
His healing touch brings back those who have been ostracized
In ancient times, leprosy was a fearsome disease, highly contagious, and fatal. Still, there were a good many other diseases, even more fatal, more common, and more contagious than leprosy-tuberculosis, smallpox, etc. But people who suffered from these were not made to cover their faces, wear a bell, leave the camp, and warn away anyone… Read More ›