|
SIGNIFICANCE OF FR. DAMIEN'S
TODAY: Fr Damien believed and acted according to principles of
justice, solidarity and human rights. In 1967 about 33,000 persons
belonging to different religions signed a petition asking for his
canonization, that was delivered to His Holiness Pope Paul VI by Fr
Systermans from the congregation of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
In this occasion, he was accompanied by Prof. Jagadisan from India,
who was a person affected with leprosy, and by Mr. Raoul Follereau,
the person who inspired a number of anti-leprosy organisations all
over the world, including AIFO/Italy.
800
years ago, in Rivo Torto near Assisi, St. Francis had given a
similar testimony of living together with persons affected with
leprosy and taking care of them. Over
the past centuries, many priests and nuns have dedicated their lives
in the care of persons affected with leprosy, many of them have also
been treated for leprosy. The canonization of Fr Damien is a
recognition of all of their work. However,
the most important tribute to Fr Damien life and work to eliminate
the social stigma and discrimination that continues to haunt
millions of persons affected by leprosy all over the world.
Therefore, as we celebrate with joy the canonization of Fr
Damien, let us sign the Resolution
for eliminating stigma and discrimination
and spread its message.
|