FATHER DAMIENS LAST HOURS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1938, 3 September 1889, Page 1

FATHER DAMIENS LAST HOURS.

On March 28th Father Damien teok to bia bed, and on March 29th began his direct preparation for death by a general confession and renewal pf his vows. Next day, says the Tablet’s correspondent, he received the Holy Viaticum. On April 2nd Father Cosrady gave him Extreme Unction. * How good God is,’ he said during the day, *to have preserved me long enough to have two priests by my aid# at my last moments, and also the good Sisters of Charity at the Leproserie. That has been my-Nuno Dimittis. The work of the lepers is assured, and so I am no lenger necessary and will soon go up yonder.’ When you are up above, Father, you will not forget those you leave orphans?’ ‘Oh, n® ! If I have any credit with God, I will intercede for oil in the Leproserie,’ i then begged him to leave me his mantle, like Klias, in order that I might have his great heart. ‘ Why, what would you do with it?’ he asked, ‘it is full of leprosy.' A few days of respite, even of rallying and hope, followed. The good Sisters of Chanty often visited him. Everybody admired hie wonderful patience On April 19th he had a bad rslaps#, and all hope was at an end, A littls after midnight he received Holy Communion for the last time, and began occasionally to lose consciousness. The next day he still recognised his comrades, but could not speak, thaugh from time to time he affectionately pressed their hands. On April 14th bia agony began, and soon all was over. He died without any effort, as if going to sleep, After death all inarms of leprosy disappeared from his face, and the wounds in his hands were quite dried. At his own request ho was buried under a large pandanus tree. When he first landed at Mofok«i he had -no dwelling, and was obliged to sleep for several nights under the shade of this tree,' and for this reason he desired to be buried there. The spirit of Father Damien is by no means extinct in his brethren. Last year, by the generosity of a Protestant banker, Mr Bishf-p, and with the co-operation of the Hawaiian Government, an asylum for leprous girls was opened at Kalaupnpa, in Molokai, under the care of the Franciscan nuns. The F'shop (Monsignor Hermann) desired to appoint a chaplain, and appealed for a volunteer. The result was that, with the excepiion of some who fait quite hurt that a doubt should be oast or implied upon their obedience, all the fathers answerod with a veritable enthusiasm. The answer of the Jone who was chosen was worthy of his institute and of his great laodel-’’ 1 My ?.2swer is in the rule.’