Father Damien, born Joseph de Veuster in 1840, was a Belgian priest known for his missionary work in the Hawaiian Islands. He dedicated much of his life to caring for individuals affected by leprosy on the island of Molokai. His selfless service and commitment to the marginalized earned him recognition and respect. In 1889, Father Damien himself contracted leprosy but continued to serve the community until his death in 1889. His legacy is celebrated for its compassion and dedication, and he was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2009, highlighting his impact on humanitarian efforts.