Summer Coronesi

Mrs. Terry

Hawaiian History

02/11/21

The Journal of Father Damien

Entry 1-

Ever since my brother published the last letter I sent, which informed the world of the

horrors at the colony of Molokai, I have been denied the right of sending confidential letters. The

church has informed me that it will be reviewing everything I write. I am beyond upset that they

are silencing the suffering of the lepers at Kalaupapa, but this will not discourage me from giving

my life to help others. Today, a doctor came with new medicine from China to help the sick. The

quantity is scarce, so I have the charge of only distributing it to the very ill. I am also the only

one who is unafraid of touching the lepers. Though this medicine is a sign of hope, we still lack

many necessities such as a water system, houses, clothes, and beds for the sick. Many

orphans live outdoors, sleeping under trees' shade. Sadly, in many cases, the only time they

receive my help is when I bury their bodies. The dying all reside in one large tent, laying out

their final hours in pain and discomfort. I do my best to bring them food and say a prayer. How

desperately we need money to provide for all these sick, the relatives of the rich will sometimes

receive supplies to comfort their stay. Still, many families fear sending supplies because

association with the sick can end the possibility of marriage for the rest of the family.

Entry 2-

I am feeling quite uneasy. It has been months since my last confession, and I can feel

the weight of my sins upon me. I have written to the catholic church many times asking to meet
a priest for confession; finally, after many weeks, the Bishop said he would see me himself as all

others refused. That morning I boarded a small boat that would travel and meet with the Bishop

out at sea. Yet when I arrived, I was denied entrance to his ship, as many feared I would sicken

them. Regardless, I decided to make confession from afar speaking in french so that my

thoughts remain private. I talked about how I have lost the desire to pray at times and how I am

too often angry because I feel hopeless surrounded by so much death. I even voiced how there

are times where I wished I hadn't ever come to Molokai. The Bishop advised me to allow myself

the charity that I give to others.

Entry 3-

My encounter with the Bishop has been published in the daily news and caught the

attention of princess Liliuokolani, and to my delight, we are expecting a visit from her soon!

Liliuokalani arrived today and brought courage to the children and sick of Molokai. She was

upset with the lack of resources we have in the colony and demanded that we be given beds

and supplies to build more housing. To my surprise, she called a meeting to ask the people what

they needed, taking the children in her arms as they whispered what they desired. A few weeks

after her visit, we were gifted with wood, beds, and instruments for the children. They have

since formed a small orchestra playing off-key tones, but their smiles reach from ear-to-ear. The

colony is finally beginning to seem brighter, and although we require so much more supplies, I

feel as though my presence is helping.

Entry 4-

I woke up this morning and noticed some bumps on my upper left chest, along with my

right foot that has begun to turn purple. Fear enters my mind, but I remind myself to stay healthy
and help those who are dying. After a check-up with a doctor, my worst suspicions have come

true- I am ill. I have begun losing feeling in my foot and must now use a cane to support myself

as I walk. It's only a matter of time before I will be confined to my bed, with sores covering my

body. But until the day I die, I will continue making demands on behalf of the lepers in the colony

of Kalaupapa, as well as bringing God into the lives of those who allow it. In my time here, I

have managed to convert 600 of the 1000 lepers, and until the day I am to join heaven, I will

continue spreading the love of God.

Bibliography

Cox, Paul, director. Molokai: the Story of Father Damien. RCV Film Distribution, 1999.