Saint Damien of Molokai Hibiscus Pendant

Prayerfully handmade from clay, this brightly-colored hibiscus pendant is a reminder of the saintly life of Saint Damien of Molokai and his selfless service to the people of Hawaii. 

*Coin shown for scale*

Saint Damien of Molokai (1840–1889) was a missionary priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He is revered throughout the Catholic Church for his heroic dedication to individuals suffering from leprosy in Hawaii.

During the 19th century, a severe leprosy epidemic struck the Hawaiian Islands. To contain the disease, infected individuals were forcibly quarantined on the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on the island of Molokai. In 1873, Father Damien volunteered to go to Molokai as a resident pastor. During his ministry there, he worked tirelessly to build cottages, clinics, roads, and a chapel. He also dedicated himself to fostering a sense of community and advocating for the sick, all while treating the residents not as disease victims but as beloved children of God.

After more than a decade of service to the people of Molokai, Father Damien contracted leprosy. He continued to serve his parish, identifying even more closely with his flock—often beginning his sermons with "We lepers..." He died on April 15, 1889, at the age of 49, surrounded by the community he had loved and served. His feast day is May 10.