JS Tip 563: Informal Leaders II

Last week we began a discussion of informal leadership.

An informal leader is one who—regardless of position—sees a need, steps forward, and resolves that need. 

Last week, we talked of Harriet Tubman. 

This week, we’ll talk of Jozef De Veuster. 

You may know him by his priesthood name, Father Damien. He saw needs, stepped forward, and worked to resolve those needs. 

He saw a need to serve others; he entered the Catholic priesthood.

He saw a need in the Pacific Islands; he volunteered for service in Hawai’i. 

On O’ahu, he saw a need on Moloka’i. 

In the leprosy colony. 

He volunteered for the assignment. 

At the time, in the 1860s, leprosy (now known as Hansen’s Disease) was considered highly contagious and uncurable. Highly contagious and uncurable. He went gladly. 

On Moloka’i, he built houses, schools, roads, hospitals, and churches. He dressed their ulcers and dug their graves. He shared tobacco pipes with them. He ate poi (with his hands) with them. He gave them spiritual, medical, and emotional support. 

After eleven years with them, he realized he had contracted the disease. He continued to work—despite his infection—until he died with them in 1889.

Ten years ago, on October 11th, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Father Damien as Saint Damien of Molokai.

Yes. Informal leadership. 

So. 

Go. 

Find a need. Step forward. Resolve the need. 

We love this stuff. We love this work. 

(NOTE: Much of this tip comes from the Wikipedia article. We acknowledge that and are grateful for that. Thank you.)