ores by lifting the bandages with a cane. At another point, a doctor left medicine on a table where the lepers could get it, insuring that he would not even have to been in the same room with them. Having someone like Father Damien who was willing to get close to them, and who spoke the Hawaiian language, began to give the lepers hope. Not necessarily hope that they would live, but hope that their lives, however short, would have some meaning.With the help of his patients, Father Damien built houses, constructed a water system, and planted trees. He also organized schools, bands and choirs. He provided medical care for the living, and buried the dead. He even expanded the tiny chapel on the island. He persistently badgered the Hawaiian government and his church for more resources, which resulted in a heightened awareness of the disease and the plight of its victims. One day in December of 1884, while soaking his feet in extremely hot water, Father Damien experienced no sensation to heat or pain. He knew at this point that he had leprosy. He had lived on Molokai for twelve years when this was confirmed. Although the disease is not highly contagious, Damien had not been careful abouthygiene. He did nothing to separate himself from the lepers. He ate with them, shared his pipe, and did not always wash his hands after bandaging open sores. Despite his many contributions, the Sacred Hearts Fathers were reluctant to help Father Damien in the end. He asked to come to Honolulu, so that another priest might hear his confessions, but his Father Superior forbade it. In the end, he relented, but insisted that if Damien must come to Honolulu, that he stay at the Franciscan Sisters' leper hospital. He was not allowed to leave his room for the duration of his stay, which was one week. He spoke of his rejection by his own as "the greatest suffering he had ever endured in his life." When Father Damien returned to Molokai, he was utt...
