Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-05-16
THE APOSTLE OF THE LEPERs.
Volunteers to Fill Father Damien's
Place.

From the New York Times.
The work of Father Damien, whose death
was recorded recently, will not die with him.
Already the Rev. Father Wendolin Mqllers. of
Belgium, is on his way TO Molokai. where Father
Conrardy has assumed the burden TO which
Father Damien, for years past, had been tied
Since 1856 Father Conrardy has been perform.
ing the work begun by Father Damien He.
too, is Belgian. about thirty-ive years of age,
He was ordained for the mission of Oregon. and
In that archdiocese labored for several wears
until the sacrifices OF his countryman inspired
bis emulation. His unassuming WAYS and self
denial made him a favorite in Oregon and
many were the efforts made to dissuade him
from his purpose.
At kalawoa. where Father Damien died and
Father Conrardy labors. there are as vet no as
slstants but at place called Kakatoo. about a
nile from the business part of Honolulu there
Is a branch hospital, originally intended to
be place where persons suspected of being
leprous were to be kept for examination. This
hospital Is IN charge of seven sisters of charity
who left Syracuse y. Y. in 1888 Owing 10 III.
burden imposed on Father Damien thew have
Lately taken charge of the female patients and
In the branch hospital there are cases as bad as
any in kalawoa.
THE ONLY WOMAN VOLUNTEER
Miss Nellie Flavin, Liverpool girl. however.
is the only woman who has yet volunteered 10
labor in the dreaded spot at Kalawoa. conse-
Grated by the work of 1.-The apostle of the
lepers." She passed through New York several
weeks ago and her presence became known
through the action of the costom-house au-
thorities. who seized the vestments she had
brought for the use of Father Damien. She re-
fused TO speak about herself. and many were of
the opinion that her story a subterfuge to
obtain free admission of the vestments They
were shipped TO San Francisco to be given TO
her at her departure from that port and her
English friends had a brief sketch of her lie
published as an answer to the charge Of the
custom house authorities.
The Liverpool Catholic Times. Just to hand,
tells who she is: Nellie Flavin is highly ac-
complished. well educated. and very well known
In many well-informed Catholic circles i'm
Liverpool Thoroughly taught at the board
ing school of the Faithful COMPANIONS of
Jesus, Dee House, Chester, she became a daily
governess. some time after leaving school, to the
family OF Mr.. Pierce, Beaver house. Linnet lane
Seton park, Liverpool, and remained in that
family until 1886, when she left for London TO
undergo there a course of hospital training
Miss Nellie Flavin is a brilliant pianiste and is
OF an amlable, energetic and resoute DISPOSE
ton She has broken many strong ties TO de-
vote her life to the service Of Gods most
afflicted creatures, and has left behind her
mother, sister and brother, as well as many
friends, holding her in their heart of hearts"
FATHER coSRARDY
To Father Conrardy the world will now direct
its attention. Everywhere funds are being coli
lected and goods gathered to ship to Molokai.
Father Calaghan of Castle garden has Just
sent consignment of linen and Is receiving
contributions of that character. Il am now ia
the hands of God" wrote Father Damien's sue
cessor recently to one of his benefactors.
If become leper the good ST. Peter no
doubt will let me pass all the easier when nv
hour comes. Sometimes when l am kneei-
ing by the side Of a poor leper. from whom
exhales odor that would put the most
! courageous to fight. / often think am do
ing little Of my purgatory. What 90 you
think? Regularly every week a small steamer
makes its appearance here, and very early
in the morning announces by the loud blowing
of its whistle that lepers have been landed.
Then those who can hurry 10 the shore. Often
We find our newcomers soaking wet through.
Now again begin the cries and tears for one sees
here the meeting again of husband and wife,
or a wife seeing her husband among them;
sometimes a child seeing its father or mother
They take the names of the new arrivals
and every one sets out to find lodging. Al
though am not leper, / could not leave here
to go to any other of these islands without
proper certificate from the board Of health.
But have no wish to go anywhere. Ny mis-
sion is here and here I'll remain"