42 AROUND THE WORLD VIA INDIA. 



frequently cuts, punctures and abrasions, by which the 

 danger of inoculation was greatly increased. What he had 

 feared occurred before he had expected it. After twelve 

 years of ceaseless self-sacrificing toil among the lepers 

 he discovered accidentally that he had himself become 

 a victim of the terrible disease. In his sermons he al- 

 ways addressed his congregation, "We lepers." Now he 

 could say so in truth. In taking a foot bath one even- 

 ing in hot water he noticed that he had blistered one 

 of his feet without having felt any pain. He knew 

 only too well what this meant — the first symptom of the 

 anesthetic form of leprosy. The physician who exam- 

 ined him later confirmed what had become to him al- 

 ready a conviction. In writing at this time to the 

 bishop, he said: "From henceforth I am forbidden to 

 come to Honolulu again, because I am attacked by lep- 

 rosy. Its marks are seen on my left cheek and ear, and 

 my eyebrows begin to fall. I shall soon be completely 

 disfigured. I have no doubt whatever of the nature of 

 my illness, but. I am calm and resigned and very happy 

 in the midst of my people. The good God knows what 

 is best for my sanctification. I daily repeat from my 

 heart, 'Thy will be done/ " It was very fortunate, in- 

 deed, that Father Damien contracted the macular in- 

 stead of the tubercular form of the disease, and that the 

 palmer side of fingers and hands remained clean, per- 

 mitting him to perform his spiritual functions until a 

 few days before his death, which occurred April 15. 

 1889. 



So ended the precious life of one of the greatest 

 benefactors of the human race — the hero of charity I 

 The greatest heroism of Father Damien was exhibited 

 during his illness, as he persisted in working with hand* 

 and heart until a few days before his death. What 

 could touch the human heart more than to see a leper 

 priest render manual work and spiritual consolation to 

 a congregation of lepers, the blind leading the blind, 

 the lame supporting the lame ! His heroic death has 



