Saint of the Week - July 5th

Footsteps of American Saints - Blessed Damien of Molokai

About this activity

The goal of this activity is to share the lives of several saints so that the youth might relate to what these people have done and maybe look to these individuals as role models.
For more information about this Saint, check out the websites below.

* www.Catholic.org
* www.AmericanCatholic.org
* www.newadvent.org
* www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly

How to start

* Read about this saint. You can find the answers to these questions on www.newadvent.org and www.AmericanCatholic.org. Feel free to use other resources.
* 1st - 5th Grades - Complete 4 requirements and 2 of the activities.
6th - 12th Grades - Complete 5 requirements and 3 of the activities.

Requirements

* He took the name of a 4th century physician and blessed when he became a priest…Fr. Damien. What was his original name and why do we call him Blessed Damien of Molokai?
* Before going to Hawaii, Blessed Damien of Molokai worked as a missionary. What were the circumstances that allowed him to travel to Hawaii?
* When did he become a priest?
* Blessed Damien of Molokai was given a memorial feast day by Pope John Paul II in 1995. When is that day celebrated?
* What is Blessed Damien of Molokai most known for devoting his life to?
* King David Kalakaua bestowed what honor on Damien?


Activities

* Discuss with your family or counselor, some of the values that you admire most about Blessed Damien of Molokai . What is he known for? How can you be more like him?
* Draw a picture showing some of his accomplishments. Share this picture with your family.
* Create a poster of hope and deliver it to a children hospital in your community.
* Visit with the sick or elderly. Spend time learning what they like. Possibly bring a kitten or puppy from the pound to visit with the elderly for a couple of hours.