Father Damien

Father Damien, a humble Belgian priest, lived in the 1800’s.  In October 2010, the Pope named him a Saint!

In 1864, Father Damien was sent as a missionary to Hawaii, and there, quite unexpectedly, he found his life’s calling. He later traveled to Molokai and discovered that the island was being used as a leper colony. People with the disease were banished to the island and left to fend for themselves. The lack of medical supplies, food and decent housing created a dangerous and unhealthy situation for the poor inhabitants of Molokai.

Father Damien befriended the lepers and fought the political and religious opposition to them, refusing to accept the fact that nothing could be done for his growing congregation.

Through sheer courage, faith and perseverance, he convinced people in power in the religious community and in the government to provide him with resources to build a church and housing on the island. Eventually, he also succeeded in bring in medical supplies, doctors and nuns to minister to his flock.

But by then, he, too, had contracted the disease. He died a Catholic priest and was elevated to Sainthood in 2010.

FATHER DAMIEN is the inspiring true story of one man who fought for the rights of those who society had cast aside.

Sam Neill, Kris Kristofferson , David Wenham and Peter O’Toole unite in FATHER DAMIEN to bring this life affirming film to audiences around the world.