Hearts Home and the Fraternity of Molokai

France-based Heart’s Home was founded by Priest Father Thierry de Roucy in 1990. Five years later, he started the Fraternity of Molokai, a priestly branch of the group, now with about 30 priests and seminarians. The name, he said, came to him in an inspiration while he was in Senegal. He chose St. Damien as a patron because of “his desire to exactly the same life of the lepers of his parish.” But instead of naming the group after Damien, Father de Roucy named it after the island of Molokai, in homage to the people.

“It’s the people that make us what we are,” explained Father Gonzague Leroux, a member of the fraternity. Ten priests from the group came to Molokai.

“It was special to see where he became a saint,” said another member, Deacon Edward De Grivel, “and have mass in the first chapel he built.”

The Heart’s Home group stayed at Pu`u O Hoku Ranch during their week-long stay on the island, where they learned about St. Damien’s life and work on Molokai, held masses and enjoyed the tranquil landscapes. They also visited Kalaupapa during their trip, described by Father Leroux as a “theological vacation.” 

“The aloha spirit is so beautiful,” he said.  “We carry the same spirit all around the world.”

In a special mass held at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, three members became “lay-consecrated” by taking the same life-long vows of poverty, obedience and chastity taken by priests and nuns, but without becoming ordained or wearing a habit. While many people take their vows surrounded by family and friends, these three young people chose their consecration to take place on Molokai.

“When they proposed the Molokai trip, I thought, ‘it’s a gift,’” said Alexander Descours, one of the three newly lay-consecrated. “It’s unbelievable [to take vows in St. Damien’s home].”

Heart’s Home, inspired by St. Damien’s work and dedicated to compassion for those in need, has 45 centers in 22 countries around the world.

Sylvie Muller is a lay-consecrated member who made the journey to Molokai. Muller’s current mission is in Brooklyn, New York. She began with Heart’s Home, as many do, as a volunteer, first sent to serve in Argentina over 10 years ago. She said though her work with Brooklyn’s elderly, under-privileged and home-bound is often difficult, she is inspired by Saint Damien’s closeness to the people he served and how much he loved them.

“You don’t know how I was longing to be closer to Damien and follow in his footsteps,” said. St. Damien “gives meaning to what I do and what I am.”

Article from:  http://www.themolokaidispatch.com/following-his-footsteps

Their website:  http://heartshome.org/