St. Damien of Molokai moved from Belgium to the leper colony of Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai, Hawaii to treat and care for the people who were ostracized because of leprosy. Many of the patients were living lawless and unruly lives of alcoholism and immorality and Father Damien stepped in and showed them true love and leadership in Christ.

He eventually contracted and died from leprosy and I felt it fitting to draw him in that state, showing his unity with his flock. He was convicted in the mission the Lord tasked him with, and yet God didn’t spare him from contracting the disease. Holiness isn’t always (or perhaps usually) pretty. Following Christ doesn’t spare us from difficulties, but He invites us to unite them to His cross and allow Him to transform them into His glory.