The Ghost of Damien - A Saint for Our Time

About the spirituality of Damiaan De Veuster, who will soon be canonized Father Damien enjoyed the fame of holiness during his life among the lepers of Molokai. And even today, few Belgians are as globally known as he is. It is striking that his popularity has not only survived the ravages of time, but also secularization. In 2005, Dutch- and French-speaking Belgians voted him their greatest compatriot. Pope Benedict XVI is expected to canonize him this year. How is it that Damien appeals to so many people? What is his secret? Historian and journalist Jan De Volder was given access to the Vatican sources, including those of the canonization. On the basis of these, he will search for the true spirit and spirituality of Damien.