Chapter Nine: Damien (Joseph) de Veuster Flashcards
leprosy
a chronic infectious disease affecting especially the skin and nerves - characterized by the formation of nodules that enlarge and spread and accompanied by loss of sensation with eventual paralysis, wasting of muscle , and deformities; Hansen’s disease
epitome
an ideal example
insubordinate
disobedient to authority
mollified
to soothe in temper; to reduce in intensity
tubercles
a small knobby prominence; an abnormal lump
truncated
cut short
haole
a person not descended from the aboriginal Polynesian inhabitants of Hawaii
poi
a Hawaiian food prepared from the cooked roots of taro that war mashed with water to consistency of a paste and often allowed to ferment
ubiquity
presence everywhere or in many places especially simultaneously
fetid
having a heavy offensive smell
ascendant
a position of dominant power or importance
subsistence
the minimum necessary to support life
breviary
a book of prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings for the canonical hours
What was believed to be the cause of leprosy during Biblical times?
moral failure or disobedience to God
Why did Fr.Damien believe the Sacred Heart would NOT be a good fit for him?
He believed the educational requirements would be too vigorous given his little education, and he was not inclined towards contemplation.
Why was Damien allowed to go to Hawaii at the age of 23 prior to his ordination?
His older brother was supposed to go to Hawaii, however, he became sick with typhus. Damien wrote to the congregation’s father general asking permission to go and was granted his request
What did Fr.Damien liken the Hawaiian landscape created by the still active Kilauea volcano to?
Hell
Describe Fr.Damien’s life on the island of Hawaii.
He served as a parish priest, traveling extensively to his parishioners. He also worked a farm and physically built several churches.
How did Fr.Damien describe leprosy?
In Fr.Damien’s words, “Leprosy…shows itself first in blackish spots on the skin, especially on the cheeks. In these spots there is no more feeling. After a time, the whole body is covered. Then the sores start, especially on the hands and feet. The toes and fingers are eaten away and give off a fetid odor. Their breath also poisons the air.”
How was the island of Molokai divided?
On a plateau, white ranchers owned valuable plantations. Separated by cliffs, the leper colony was segregated below.
What is the current status of leprosy (Hansen’s disease)?
Leprosy is a controllable disease with a known cure and fewer than 250,00 diagnoses annually. Most cases are in India, Brazil, and Indonesia. Segregation is no longer part of the treatment plan.
